Russell set to return

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Explosive allrounder Andre Russell is set to return to the West Indies team for the first time in 14 months, after being named in an 18-man provisional Twenty 20 squad for the upcoming series South Africa, Australia and Pakistan in the Caribbean starting next month.

The 33-year-old hard-hitting batsman has been plagued by injury in recent years, leading to sporadic appearances for the regional side and has featured in only five of their T20 Internationals over the last three and a half years.

He last turned out for West Indies on the two-match tour of Sri Lanka last year when he excelled with the bat to emerge Player-of -the Series.

The ageing Chris Gayle who has also struggled with form was also recalled to the team.

Kieron Pollard of West Indies in action against Pakistan during the ICC Champions Trophy 2013 Group B at the Kia Oval. Action Images / Paul Harding, File

Head Coach Phil Simmons said the squad, which will be led again by Kieron Pollard, was a blend of youth and “world-class match winners,” designed to ensure the West Indies a successful defense of their T20 World Cup title later this year.