Powell, Russell spark Windies injury fears on eve of first ODI
PERTH, Australia (CMC- Scans are being carried out on two West Indies cricketers to determine their ability to play against Australia in the first One Day International at the WACA on Friday.
Opening batsman Kieran Powell and dashing all-rounder Andre Russell both sustained injuries during Tuesday’s practice match against a Prime Minister’s X1.
“We are monitoring the guys who got injuries in the last game and hopefully they could recover as quickly as possible,” said Captain Darren Sammy.
“They went for scans today and we are waiting on the report. So we are keeping our fingers crossed”.
Powell was forced to retire hurt with leg cramps eight runs away from scoring a century while Russell is reportedly suffering from a sore knee but is expected to be fit in time for the match.
“Powell retired hurt in the last game and Russell could not bowl his quota of overs,” said Sammy.
“They went for scans this morning and hopefully it’s nothing serious and they can take part in this series”.
The West Indies team will feature a number of players who participated in the recently concluded Australian Big Bash league such as Chris Gayle, Kieron Pollard, Kemar Roach and Sunil Narine.
Sammy believes their participation in Australia’s top T20 tournament has also increased the team’s chances of success down under.
“It will be a massive help for us,” said Sammy.
“The experience they have gathered playing here over the years could be passed on to the youngsters like Powell who had a good outing in the last game and young batsman like Bravo and Jason Holder and Johnson Charles”.
West Indies five match ODI series against Australia follow a two month break after the tour of Bangladesh while Australia is seeking to recover from a two all ODI series draw and a two game T20 series loss to Sri Lanka.
The last ODI series between these two sides ended in a 2-2 tied result and while Australia have the home advantage West Indies are the world T20 champions.
“It’s all about the team,” said the Windies captain.
“So far in the last few series we have played as a team and hence we have gotten some results in our favour”.
