Russell set for Windies return at Lord's

Andre Russell continues to blaze the comeback trail after serving his 12-month doping-related ban, and will make his international return at Lord's next month.

Russell was today named in a 13-man West Indies squad to play a one-off Hurricane Relief T20 Challenge match against an ICC Rest of the World XI on May 31. 

The charity game is being staged to raise funds to rebuild and restore five major cricket venues at the heart of Caribbean communities that were damaged by Hurricanes Irma and Maria.

Russell last played for the West Indies in August 2016 before he spent 2017 out of the game serving a World Anti-Doping Agency ban for three violations of the whereabouts rule regulations.

He's blazed a stunning comeback trail since, setting the domestic scene alight for Jamaica and, while he underwhelmed while battling an injury in the Pakistan Super League, his IPL campaign for the Kolkata Knight Riders has been explosive.

In 12 balls he unleashed for 41 to blow the Daredevils away in Delhi on Tuesday, hitting six sixes, and he crashed 88 from 36 balls with a stunning 11 sixes against the Chennai Super Kings last week. 

The former Sydney Thunder allrounder hasn't been locked into a return for the Big Bash yet but is a highly sought-after asset, with new Thunder coach Shane Bond putting him top of the club's wish list.

The West Indies are also delighted to have the Jamaican back after he missed the Cricket World Cup Qualifier tournament. 

"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."

Venues impacted by the Hurricanes include the Sir Viv Richards Stadium in Antigua, which was converted into a temporary camp for Barbuda refugees.

Other affected venues include Ronald Webster Park, Anguilla; Windsor Park Stadium, Dominica; AO Shirley Recreation Ground in the British Virgin Islands and Carib Lumber Ball Park on St Maarten.

West Indies CEO Johnny Grave added: “On behalf of Cricket West Indies, I’d like to thank the players for their commitment to and support of this vital cause. We’re hoping to raise a significant sum from the Hurricane Relief T20 Challenge and are very grateful to the MCC, ECB and ICC, without whom this match would not be taking place."

West Indies T20 squad: Samuel Badree, Carlos Brathwaite (c), Rayad Emrit, Andre Fletcher, Chris Gayle, Evin Lewis, Ashley Nurse, Keemo Paul, Rovman Powell, Denesh Ramdin (wk), Andre Russell, Marlon Samuels, Kesrick Williams.