Holder backs Russell to be fit for Aussie encounter

West Indies are sweating on the fitness of all-rounder Andre Russell but will have talisman Chris Gayle available for Thursday’s key clash with Australia at Trent Bridge here.

Russell appeared to aggravate his troublesome knee and Gayle his back as they played key roles in West Indies’ opening win of the World Cup against Pakistan here last Friday.

Captain Jason Holder told media here Wednesday while Gayle was fit, Russell would undergo a further assessment before a determination was made about his availability.

“I think the beauty with both of those guys is they’ve played enough cricket. We just tend to trust them, take their word and then make a final determination then,” Holder said.

“Chris was at practice for the last couple days, so Chris for me is all well and ready to go. Andre will be obviously assessed today, and we’re very, very hopeful that he’ll be fit tomorrow.”

Russell produced a hostile game-changing spell in the opening game, snatching two wickets for four runs from three overs of pace, to help reduce Pakistan to 105 all out in the 22nd over.

The left-handed Gayle then blasted six fours and three sixes in a 34-ball 50 as West Indies sped to their target to win by seven wickets