Credit: X
Star West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell has officially retired from International cricket amidst the ongoing home series against Australia. He will be last seen in international colours in the first two T20I matches of the five-match series against Australia at home starting on July 21. Both the T20I will be played at the Sabina Park in Russell’s home town Kingston.
West Indies Cricket Board confirmed the news of Andre Russell’s retirement through a social media post on July 17. “Thank You, DRE RUSS!🫶🏽 For 15 years, you played with heart, passion, and pride for the West Indies. From being a two-time T20 World Cup Champion to your dazzling power on and off the field. WI Salute You1” the social media post read.
When I was a kid, I did not expect to get to this level: Andre Russell
Andre Russell made his international debut for West Indies in a Test match against Sri Lanka on Galle on November 15, 2010. Since then, he went on to play just one Test, 56 ODIs and 84 T20Is in his international career amassing 2114 runs with the bat and taking 132 wickets with the ball in all three formats combined. He was also a part of the West Indies squad that won the T20 World Cup in 2012 and 2016 respectively.
“Words cannot explain what it meant. To represent the West Indies has been one of the proudest achievements in my life. When I was a kid, I did not expect to get to this level, but the more you start to play and get to love the sport, you realize what you can achieve. This inspired me to become better because I wanted to leave a mark in the maroon colours and become an inspiration to others,” Russell said in a statement as quoted in NDTV Sports.
“I love playing fr the West Indies and I love playing at home in front of my family and friends where I get to showcase my talent and produce more high-quality performances. I want to finish my international career on a high while being a role model for the next generation of cricketers coming out of the Caribbean," he added.
Andre Russell’s final international game will be the upcoming second T20I against Australia which will be played at Sabina Park in Kingston Jamaica on July 23. Let’s have a look at West Indies’ squad for T20I series against Australia.
West Indies squad: Shai Hope (capt), Jewel Andrew, Jediah Blades, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Rovman Powell, Andre Russell, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd.
