Andre Russell’s lawyer defends him in anti-doping charges

Andre Russell’s lawyer defends him in anti-doping charges

Andre Russell’s lawyer defended the West Indian all-rounder regarding the dope tests in hearing of an independent panel on July 20. Jamaican Anti-doping Commission (JADCO) has accused Russell to have missed three dope tests in the last 12 months, resulting in a violation of the whereabouts clause. Russell’s lawyer Patrick Forster however claimed that his client received correspondence from JADCO for only twice – January to March, 2015 and July to September, 2015 – for allegedly missing the out-of-competition doping tests. The panel that heard the hearing then asked JADCO to provide documentary evidence of Russell’s third filing failure. The Commission is reportedly set to provide the evidence on Monday. READ: Andre Russell set for anti-doping hearing next week

According to ESPNCricinfo, JADCO has until August 10 to serve their files, while the deadline for Russell’s team is September 7. The hearing is set for September 19 and 20.

Earlier in March, JADCO said Russell had missed three dope tests in a span of 12 months which is equated to failing a dope test under the laws. The athletes are required to go for the dope tests the WADA code in a local anti-doping agencies and face a ban of up to two years if found guilty of repeatedly missing them.

The 28-year-old West Indian is a big name in T20 format who played a huge role in his country winning the ICC World T20 for a second time. West Indies beat England in the final of ICC World T20 2016 earlier in the year at Eden Gardens. Russell was part of winning campaigns for Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League 2015-16 and for Islamabad United in the Pakistan Super League in February. He is currently playing for Jamaica Tallawahs in CPL 2016.