Russell ready to play his part

Jamaica Tallawahs should be at full strength tonight when they take on Caribbean Premier League front-runners Guyana Amazon Warriors at Sabina Park.

This follows confirmation from big-hitting all-rounder AndrÈ Russell, who has been carrying a knee injury, that he is 100 per cent ready to play, albeit it could be as a batsman only.

"I'm 100 per cent certain about playing. It's just the bowling that I am not 100 per cent about. I bowled (in training) and I think I am about 80 to 90 per cent," stated Russell yesterday, following the team's final training session.

"Things have calmed down a bit, and it (injury) has been improving.

"I just want to get things right tomorrow after I bowl a few balls (during warm-up), then I will be able to tell Chris 'Yes, I'm ready for bowling'.

"I got an injection yesterday (Wednesday) and it feels a lot better.

"I bowled a few balls today (Thursday) and didn't feel much pain, but at the same time, I am just hoping for the best and hope that it will keep, and I can continue bowling and no pain."

The Tallawahs star played in the team's first two games, but he did not bowl. However, he had scores of 24 and 34.

The two knocks, which came at crucial stages, helped the Tallawahs to defeat hosts St Kitts and Nevis Patriots and Trinbago Knight Riders.

DEFEAT, NO RESULT

He was, however, absent from the team's next two encounters away to the Amazon Warriors and Barbados Tridents, which ended in a defeat and a no-result.

"I'm excited to be back and I am hoping that tomorrow, God's willing, I just try to do what Russell always does and save the day," he added.

Russell is expected to support Gayle, Kumar Sangakkara, Chadwick Walton, and Shakib Al Hasan, with his power hitting.

- J.L.