All-rounder Andre Russell came to the 2019 ICC World Cup with injury concerns and after fighting his way through four games has now been forced to leave the camp and head home after losing his battle with injury.
The International Cricket Council confirmed Monday that the Event Technical Committee of the 2019 ICC World Cup had approved Sunil Ambris as a replacement for Russell for the remainder of the tournament.
Russell has had problems with his left knee throughout the tournament but bravely still went into battle for the West Indies. He played four out of a possible six matches but the injury had the final say.
Twenty-six-year-old Ambris, a top-order batsman from St Vincent and the Grenadines, has played six Tests and six ODIs for the West Indies.
Legendary West Indies fast bowler Curtly Ambrose told Guardian Media on Monday that one has to commend Russell for the effort he made. However, he said Ambris has a great opportunity if given the chance in the Windies’ remaining matches.
"Obviously the injury would have worsened and this is why they would have made that call. However, it now presents a great opportunity for Ambris to come in and get some action at the World Cup. He is a young player and this would do him the world of good. Great for him and unfortunate for Russell at this time." Ambrose said.
The West Indies, who have so far played six matches and earned three points, were knocked out of playoff contention following a five-run loss to New Zealand on Saturday. However, the team management has also been criticised for using an unfit Russell in the team.
Asked whether the West Indies should have made the call to replace Russell earlier, Ambrose said: "No, not really, I think knowing the type of player Russell is and knowing how dangerous he can be, they wanted him to come and play his game. Unfortunately, it did not work out for him but there could have been a situation where, if the team was winning matches consistently, they could have played him in the big matches and nurse him along."
The replacement of a player requires the approval of the Event Technical Committee. The committee comprises Geoff Allardice (ICC, ETC chairman), Campbell Jamieson (ICC representative), Steve Elworthy (CWC representative), Alan Fordham (host representative), Harsha Bhogle and Kumar Sangakkara (both independent representatives).
RUSSELL AT THE 2019 WORLD CUP
Against Pakistan: Two wickets for four runs off three overs.
Against Australia: Two wickets for 41 runs off eight overs and 15 runs from 11 balls.
Didn't play against South Africa.
Against England: Scored 21 runs off 16 balls and bowled two overs for 14 runs.
Against Bangladesh: Scored a duck and bowled six overs in returning one wicket for 42 runs.
Didn't play against New Zealand.