Russell set to retire after Aus T20Is

Express Tribune

6 days ago

Andre Russell, who was included in the 16-member West Indies squad against Australia, is set to hang up his boots from international cricket during the T20I series, starting from 20 July. He had missed being a part of the squad against England late last year, due to an injury.
The Jamaican who is a two-time world champion, having been a part of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup winning squads in 2012 and 2016, will play his last two international matches on 20 and 22 July at his homeground in Sabina Park.
Russell was thankful to have represented the West Indies and expressed his pride in donning the maroon jersey for more than a decade.
"Words cannot explain what it meant. To represent the West Indies has been one of the proudest achievements in my life," he told Cricket West Indies.
"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 realise 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."
The two-time World Champion expressed about finishing his career in front of the home crowd and hope to bid a memorable farewell to the game.
"I love playing for 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."
Having played only the shortest format of the game since 2019, the swashbuckling all-rounder has snapped 61 wickets and scored 1078 runs in 84 outings. His raw skills in domestic T20 leagues won his teams championships with Russell being a major contributor in many of such victories.
Darren Sammy, who was his teammate, captain and is now the West Indies coach acknowledged Russell's hunger to perform and win for the country.
"Andre has always been the consummate professional and a fierce competitor. Whether I was captaining him or now coaching him, his hunger to perform and win for West Indies has never wavered.
"I wish him all the best on his next chapter, and I hope he continues to inspire generations to come."
Andrew, Blades named for T20Is
Cricket West Indies (CWI) has unveiled a 16-member squad for their upcoming five-match T20I series against Australia, starting July 20, following the conclusion of the Test leg which Australia swept 3-0.
Teen sensation Jewel Andrew and left-arm seamer Jediah Blades have earned their first-ever T20I call-ups.
Andrew, just 18, is a highly-rated wicketkeeper-batter known for his maturity at the crease and proficiency against spin. His domestic performances have caught the eye of selectors looking to inject fresh energy into the side.
Blades, who made his ODI debut last December, impressed with the new ball and gets a shot at making his mark in the shortest format of the game.
Skipper Shai Hope leads a squad featuring experienced campaigners like Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, and Rovman Powell.
Head coach Darren Sammy stressed that the series is part of West Indies' roadmap towards the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, set to be hosted jointly by India and Sri Lanka.
"Our focus is clear - we're building towards winning the T20 World Cup in 2026. This series gives us a chance to refine our playing style and strengthen our core group," Sammy said.
Acknowledging recent home losses, Sammy added, "We haven't had the results we wanted at home in our last two series, but this is a fresh start. We're confident in our group and hungry to turn things around."