Windies gunning for whitewash, says Russell

Kingston (Jamaica), July 6: All-rounder Andre Russell has said West Indies was eyeing a whitewash after brushing aside New Zealand by nine wickets in the opening One-Day International.

Set a revised target of 136 off 33 overs after a two-hour rain break during their innings, West Indies cruised to victory off 24.2 overs, to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series the second of which will be played Saturday at the same venue.

Russell said starting the series on a winning note could now set the tone for a total domination of the remaining four matches.

“I think it’s very good for West Indies cricket because it’s a while we haven’t won a series and we came very close to winning a series against Australia, the top one-day side,” said Russell.

“This is the time now when we can make use of the resource we have. We have a very good team, we’re playing at home and we have the home advantage. I’m looking at a whitewash.”

While the crowd turned out to witness something special from hometown boy Chris Gayle, Russell stole a share of the spotlight with an incisive bowling performance.

The 24-year-old Jamaican earned the Man-of-the-Match award by snatching four for 45 with his medium pace to restrict New Zealand to 190 for nine off their 50 overs.

After missing the Twenty20s last weekend in Florida, Russell said it was important he made an immediate impact on his return to the team.

“I’m happy with the way I bowled. It was good to come back into the team after I missed the T20 series in Florida and make an impression right away,” Russell said.

–IANS/CMC

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