West Indies will do "everything" to keep "matchwinner" Andre Russell fit, says Jason Holder

Russell broke down twice during his side’s defeat by England in Southampton - once while batting and once while bowling - as he struggled with the persistent knee issues which have blighted his recent career, and a wrist problem

Jason Holder is adamant West Indies will persist with Andre Russell despite the allrounder’s considerable injury problems at this World Cup.

Russell broke down twice during his side’s defeat by England in Southampton - once while batting and once while bowling - as he struggled with the knee issues which have blighted his recent career, and a wrist problem that first showed itself during this year’s IPL.

He managed just two overs with the ball, having completed three against Pakistan and eight against Australia earlier in this tournament.

West Indies, however, are not thinking about replacing him, although he may need to be rested at points over the remainder of their World Cup campaign.

“It’s been difficult so far for him. We’ve tried our best to keep him on the park but it’s proven difficult. We think he can be a matchwinner for us,” Holder said.

^{Andre Russell has been struggling with injuries}

“We’ve got to do everything we possibly can to keep him on the park.”

Asked if he felt Russell’s inclusion was worth the risk, the captain replied emphatically: “Yes”.

A fully fit Russell alone would not have changed the course of the game in Southampton, where West Indies were thoroughly second best.

They were skittled for 212 in gloomy conditions and watched England win with eight wickets in hand as the sun shone and the pitch flattened out later in the day.

“I thought we got through the powerplay quite nicely. We lost the game in the middle,” Holder said.

VISIT THE WORLD CUP PORTAL

“Every time we got something going, we lost a wicket. You have to put on a few more partnerships and bat deeper.

“(Nicholas) Pooran was an example of how we have to play on that pitch (Pooran made 63).”

West Indies’ hopes of reaching the World Cup’s knockout stages now seem slim, given they have just three points to show from their four games to date, but Holder says he and his players would be “foolish” not to believe they can make it out of the round robin.

“We’ve shown glimpses of what we can produce so far in this tournament. It’s just a manner of bringing it together for long periods, stringing together a complete game and being consistent,” he said.

“We’ve got to dig deep within to make sure we take responsibility as batter ans as bowlers keep being aggressive.”

Our coverage of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 is brought to you in association with Cricket 19, the official video game of the Ashes. Order your copy now at Amazon.co.uk