MORGAN PIEK
The VKB Knights have received a major boost ahead of their RamSlam T20 clash against the Titans in Bloemfontein on Friday night.
Star West Indies all-rounder, Andre Russell landed in the City of Roses last night to play for the team for the remainder of the competition.
His arrival couldn’t have come at the better time with the side still winless after three games and Proteas all-rounder, Ryan McLaren heading back to the Dolphins.
McLaren returns to Durban after his teammate Kyle Abbott was rushed to India yesterday to replace the injured Vernon Philander for the remainder of the Test series.
The cool, calm and collected player has just come off the Windies tour to Sri Lanka where they drew the two-match T20 International series on Wednesday.
While Russell didn't play in the first match, he batted in the second T20, however didn't bowl due to an injury.
He confirmed that he is ready to go and will bowl for the side this weekend if the need arises.
Russell was hugely instrumental in the Knights reaching the final last season and he said told Courant that he learnt a lot from the team’s character.
“Playing for a team where we don’t have big names it just go to show they are always fighting for each other.
“I’ve played for team where you have five, six top players that play international cricket and cricket all around the world and sometimes they are too relaxed.
“Knowing that you have Chris Gayle still to bat, Pollard to bat, Bravo to bat you may say OK, if you get out they are coming next.
“I learnt a lot that with these guys (Knights) that once you’re in they teach you to stay in.”
Russell has been named in the match squad for the game against the Titans at the Mangaung Oval which gets underway at 18:00 this evening.
This weekend it's a double-header for the side with a match against the Lions in Bloemfontein on Sunday afternoon.
