Russell’s blitz lifts West Indies to 225-8

Russell, in his first match of the series India lead 2-0, blasted eight fours and five sixes to rescue the hosts from the crisis of 96-7 in the 30th over.

Russell shared an eighth-wicket stand of 78 with wicketkeeper Carlton Baugh, who compiled 36 off 73 deliveries.

Lendl Simmons, with 45 off 68 balls, was the only top-order batsman to shine after India sent in West Indies.

Legspinner Amit Mishra produced a master class to finish with 3-28 off 10 overs. Offspinner Harbhajan Singh was also miserly, claiming 1-24. Fast bowler Munaf Patel grabbed 3-60.

Munaf struck in the second over without a run on the board when Kirk Edwards’ leaden-footed drive produced an edge to wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel.

Simmons and Ramnaresh Sarwan rebuilt in a sensible stand of 65 off 81 balls before a run out changed the course of the innings.

Sarwan, after striking two fours and a six in 28 off 38 deliveries, was late in setting off and his bat plugged into the turf as captain Suresh Raina’s accurate return caught him short.

That dismissal brought a procession as six wickets tumbled for 31 runs in 14.5 overs.

Marlon Samuels (1) missed a ripping leg break and was stumped off Mishra, who quickly accounted for Danza Hyatt (1) and Simmons.

Hyatt, on debut, essayed an ambitious drive and was bowled through the gate by a googly, while Simmons prodded a leg break to slip.

Simmons cracked four fours and a six.

Harbhajan soon claimed his Mumbai Indians IPL teammate Kieron Pollard caught behind, and the hosts were 85-6.

It got worse when Munaf returned to induce captain Darren Sammy (3) to edge to the wicketkeeper.

But Russell and Baugh turned the tide with a level-headed association that gradually rebuilt before the counterattack.

Russell’s five sixes were all struck with ferocity and cleared the outfield by some distance. His maiden half century came off 50 balls.

Baugh departed in the 46th over, miscuing Munaf to cover.

But Russell dominated the last three overs as West Indies added 47 runs.

He added 51 unbroken off 28 balls with Kemar Roach, who scored 7 not out off 10 balls.