Russell hoping to replicate form against Kiwis

ROSEAU, Dominica (CMC) -- All-rounder Andre Russell is hoping to take his recent enterprising form into the two-match Twenty20 International series against New Zealand this weekend.

The Jamaican starred in the recent A-team series against Bangladesh, smashing an unbeaten 132 from just 56 balls in one 50-over contest before taking a six-wicket haul in another. He was also brilliant in the field.

Russell said while there was a major difference between the A-team and international level, he would be still looking to replicate the form he found for West Indies A.

"It's nothing different, it's cricket. It may be a different level, the A-team [level] may be a bit weaker so to speak but at the same time it's the same cricket and I just have to apply myself. Once I give myself a chance I'll get the results I got in the A-team games," said Russell.

"I am super ready. I'm always practising and I was home playing in a local tournament and I've gotten runs ... coming off a hundred or coming off a half-century is always going to feel good."

Russell has already played 27 Twenty20s for West Indies, and was part of the side's failed campaign at this year's Twenty20 World Cup in Bangladesh.

And while he is yet to really come off for the Windies in T20s - he has a highest score of 24 not out and a best haul of two for 10 - Russell said he planned to give his all in the upcoming series.

"I always give 150 per cent playing for West Indies and playing cricket overall," said Russell, who is a bustling fast bowler and a powerful lower-order batsman.

"I love cricket, so I don't see the sense in going half-hearted in doing anything in cricket, so I'll be giving all that I have on the field for West Indies and hope that I can contribute as much as possible to the team."

Russell said he was aware of the importance of the upcoming series, especially since West Indies lost the preceding three-match Test series.

"We are here to play and we just have to think about what we have to do. The New Zealand guys won the Test series, so it is time for us to win the T20 series," he pointed out.