Having played for the Worcestershire Second XI since 2008, Russell made his full debut for Worcestershire in a List A match against the Unicorns in the 2010 Clydesdale Bank 40, claiming his maiden List A wicket when he dismissed Chris Murtagh. He made a further appearance in that competition against Surrey. Russell didn't feature for Worcestershire in the 2011 season. A notable appearance in the 2012 season saw Russell gain match figures of 6-72 in a drawn two-day tour match against South Africa - only days after England had only managed to take two wickets in a five-day test match.
