Andre Russell was satisfied with the part he played in a comprehensive bowling performance, as the West Indies dismantled Pakistan in their ICC Cricket World Cup opener.
Russell bowled a three over spell characterised by hostile, short-pitched fast bowling, taking two wickets at a cost of just four runs.
“I've been getting jealous when people have been calling me medium-fast and when I see my name listed as medium-fast,” said Russell.
“Today I saw the wicket and showed that I am not medium-fast, but fast."
The right-armer’s brief spell consisted almost entirely of bouncers, and was enough to break the resistance of the Pakistan top order.
And Russell confirmed that this was in line with his side’s game plan.
“It takes a lot of energy to bowl fast and you have to be strong, but I knew I would only bowl a three-over spell, so I left everything I had on the park in that short burst," said Russell.
“The short balls were a deliberate strategy – I didn’t mind the crowd getting on my back about it, I was just doing my job.”
The game was played out in front of a febrile atmosphere, with large sections of the crowd revelling in the superb performance of the West Indian attack.
“It gives me goosebumps every time I travel outside the Caribbean to play and I see West Indies jerseys in the stands,” said Russell.
“It gives you extra energy to go and bowl fast, even when you’re tired.
“We know a lot of fans want us to go a long way in this tournament, so we’re trying our best not to disappoint.
“We’ve showed what we can do with bat and ball, but there are still some areas we need to tighten up on.
“If we keep bowling aggressively but I hope to stop bowling so many wide deliveries and we’ll be in business.”
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A Notts Outlaws squad brimming with international talent will commence their T20 Vitality Blast campaign against Worcestershire Rapids at Trent Bridge on Thursday 18 July, with advance tickets priced at £10 for adults and £5 for under 16s. Secure your seats here…