West Indian big-hitter Andre Russell believes that the T10 version of cricket could help the sport make an entry into the Olympics.
The right-hander, who is regarded as one of the most dangerous players in the shorter formats of the game, will turn out for Northern Warriors in the upcoming T10 league that will be held at Abu Dhabi from November 14 to 24. This will be the third season of the tournament.
When asked if T10 was the way forward in helping cricket reach the Olympics, Russell responded in the positive. “It would be brilliant for cricket to become an Olympic sport and I know all players would love the opportunity of representing their country at an Olympic event.”
He went on to mention how every player should look to improve his game in T10s. “The T10 format is obviously shorter than T20 and batsmen have very less time to get themselves in. You have to really attack and go after the bowling from ball one.
“As a bowler and a fielding team, you have to really be on your game and plan well as you know the batsmen are looking to take you down every delivery,” said the Jamaican.
Russell went on to talk about the challenges in the format, admitting that players have very little time to settle down and make a mark. “The T10 format has put pressure on the batsman to start striking and to be aggressive from ball one.
“You have to think about where you are looking to attack each bowler and also what field they are setting to work out where they are trying to bowl to you,” he said.
Talking about the upcoming T10 event in Abu Dhabu, Russell stated that he was hopeful the tournament would be bigger and better than it was in 2018.
“I am sure it will be a box office event. Abu Dhabi is a brilliant place to host the T10. It is a great place to tour as a player with a lot to do away from cricket culturally and the Zayed Sports City Stadium is an excellent stadium with brilliant facilities.
“Abu Dhabi seems to be attracting a lot of high profile cricket events and I am looking forward to getting over there,” he said.