Andre Russell included in West Indies squad for T20 fundraiser against World XI

West Indies have included star all-rounder Andre Russell in their squad for next month’s Twenty20 fundraiser at Lord’s.

The game, to be played on May 31 against a Rest of the World XI captained by England white-ball skipper Eoin Morgan, is being held to raise money for hurricane-damaged stadiums in the Caribbean.

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Carlos Brathwaite will lead the Windies and will be able to call on Russell, who only in February returned from a 12-month suspension for failing to provide his whereabouts on three separate occasions - an offence equal to a failed doping test under the rules laid down by the World Anti-Doping Agency.

Russell has been in blistering form for Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League this month, blasting 88 from 36 deliveries against Chennai Super Kings - including 11 sixes - before launching a further half a dozen maximums in a 12-ball 41 against Delhi Daredevils on Monday.

As well as Russell, the Windies - not to mention the Lord’s faithful - will be boosted by the presence of box-office openers Chris Gayle and Evin Lewis.

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“We welcome the return of the players who missed the Pakistan series and are delighted to recall Andre Russell to the squad, as we believe he will have a key role in our white-ball cricket,” said Windies’ chairman of selectors Courtney Browne.

“Denesh Ramdin and Keemo Paul keep their places after encouraging performances at both regional and international level.”

 West Indies squad: Carlos Brathwaite (captain), Rayad Emrit, Andre Fletcher, Chris Gayle, Evin Lewis, Ashley Nurse, Keemo Paul, Rovman Powell, Denesh Ramdin, Andre Russell, Samuel Badree, Marlon Samuels, Kesrick Williams.