Published: Jan 14, 2016, 02:07 AM (IST)
Edited: Jan 14, 2016, 02:07 AM (IST)
West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell will soon be out of a Sydney Thunder contract and re-signing him will remain a top priority for the Big Bash League side, says the franchise’s General Manager Nick Cummins. “Of the guys that are off contract he’s [our priority],” said Cummins. “We’re already in discussions and we’re hoping to have something done before the season ends. He’s definitely a priority, we couldn’t have asked anything more from him.” Russell has already scored 129 runs in the seven matches this season at a strike-rate of 181.69, including 10 sixes. He is also the leading wicket-taker with 13 wickets to his name. READ: Andre Russell feels playing Tests for West Indies not financially viable
Cummins added, “I’d imagine there’s other teams wanting to recruit Andre, he can do everything with bat, ball and in the field,” said Cummins of the 27-year-old. “At the same time he was available to be signed last year and the Thunder was the team that saw that and hopefully he sees we were the ones who backed him . . . who stood behind him. He is one of those players who plays the way we’d all love to and I think the way he goes about his cricket is why he’s so popular. He’s explosive, dynamic and spectacular,” according to smh.au.om. READ: Chris Gayle draws flak from Ricky Ponting for refusing easy single during BBL game
Russell has decided to focus on the shorter formats T20s and on-days at he expense of Test cricket to prolong his career after a string on knee injuries. Russell shared his views on T20 cricket. He said. “The T20 game is an exciting game, I’m an exciting player, so I just want to make sure whatever people expect from me, I give it to them. They’re expecting big sixes, fun celebration and the dances. We are Carribean guys so we won’t be boring. We’re going to be enjoying ourselves because at the end of the day, [if] you get success you have to enjoy.”
