Made more money doing this than playing cricket: Former England Cricketer Jack Russell shares the skill that changed his life

Time of India

16-07-2025

Tucked away in a posh lane in central London, Jack Russell is hard at work, not at the crease, but in front of a canvas. The former England wicketkeeper-batter is now better known in art circles than cricketing ones, though his love for the game has never truly faded. As reported by PTI, Russell remains as delightfully eccentric in retirement as he was in his playing days, a man who paints obsessively, avoids mobile phones, and is still not on WhatsApp.
The only way to reach him? An email. And if you're lucky, you might spot him at the Chris Beetles Gallery in London, where his cricket-themed artworks bring nostalgic joy to purists and fans alike.
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From Gloves to Gallery Now 61, Russell is still recognised for his quirky style, the funky sunglasses, the battered sunhat that looked permanently attached to his head, and those lightning-fast hands behind the stumps. He was England's heartbeat behind the wicket for years. But more than two decades after retiring from county cricket, it's his brushstrokes, not his footwork, that get him praise.
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'I retired from England in 1998, county cricket in 2004, and I've just been painting ever since. It's the only skill I've got left,' he told PTI with a chuckle. 'That's what I do. I just paint, paint, paint.'
And he's not exaggerating. Russell has been painting for over 35 years, longer than his entire professional cricket career. It all started during rain breaks in county games. While teammates grumbled, Russell would pull out sketchbooks and paint whatever he saw, often amusing or annoying the dressing room.
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Painting Ranjitsinhji, and a Little Piece of India Russell's love for cricket still runs deep through his brushes. He recently unveiled a portrait of Ranjitsinhji, the first Indian to play for England.
'Every year, I try and paint someone from cricket history. Last year it was Douglas Jardine. This time I thought it was the right moment to paint Ranjitsinhji, such a colourful character and a stroke player. It's one of my favourites,' he said.
A big chunk of his followers are Indian fans, and Russell has fond memories of touring India, for the Nehru Cup in 1989 and again during the 1996 World Cup. One of his prized paintings is of Mumbai's Brabourne Stadium.
'I loved India and Pakistan. On days off, I'd wander through local markets and sketch people. People would knock on my hotel room door asking to be painted! I'd sit in restaurants, sketch musicians and landscapes, sometimes even paint on the street, though once the police had to move me on, which is fair enough,' he laughed.
'I could paint all day in India. I had such a great time.'
'I Probably Earned More Painting Than Playing Cricket' Some of Russell's works have fetched impressive prices, one from the 2019 Ashes sold for £25,000. But for him, it's not about the money.
'Back in our day, we got paid well, but not like now. Players today, if they play for England for 10 years, they can retire comfortably. But I don't paint for the money. I do it for the love. Still, yes, I've probably earned more as an artist than I ever did as a cricketer.'
Watching Pant, Backing Smith Despite being immersed in the world of art, Russell remains deeply connected to the game. He visited Lord's during the ongoing India-England Test series and says he has watched 'more than he should,' often putting painting aside to follow the matches.
As a fellow wicketkeeper, he keeps a close eye on the current crop.
'Pant, you've got to watch him, whether he's batting or keeping. He's an entertainer. I'm glad to see him back after that accident.'
'Jamie Smith, I think he could become England's greatest ever batsman-wicketkeeper. He's a big guy, but agile, with great batting power. Maybe even in the Gilchrist mould.'
On Pant's wicketkeeping skills, he says: 'He'll make mistakes, there are a few technical things to iron out, especially when standing up to the stumps. But those are small things, more mental than anything. If he asks, I'll happily share what I've noticed.'
He also fondly recalls Indian greats like Syed Kirmani and his Gloucestershire teammate Javagal Srinath, 'He could bowl quick,' he says with admiration.
Inputs from PTI