Two-time World Cup champion Andre Russell has called it quits on his international career.
The 37-year-old Russell, who has represented the West Indies in more than 140 international matches over a 15-year career and was part of the 2012 and 2016 teams that won the T20 World Cup, described it as an honour to have represented the regional team.
Russell has played 84 T20Is for the West Indies, scoring 1078 runs at an average of 22 and a strike rate of 163.08. As a bowler he has taken 61 wickets at an economy rate of 9.30.
He has also played 54 One Day Internationals and a solitary Test match.
“Words cannot explain what it meant. To represent the West Indies has been one of the proudest achievements in my life,” Russell said in a statement issued by CWI on Wednesday.
“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,”
“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,” he further added.
On Wednesday, CWI confirmed earlier reports that the upcoming T20I series against Australia would be Russell’s final time representing the regional side.
In a release issued on Wednesday, CWI said Russell’s inclusion in the Windies’ 16-member T20I squad to face Australia in a five-match T20I series, was fully merited as “he remains one of the most impactful T20 players in world cricket.”
West Indies head coach, Daren Sammy paid tribute to Russell’s career.
“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 in his next chapter, and I hope he continues to inspire generations to come,” Sammy said.
Russell will be replaced by Matthew Forde for the Warner Park leg of the series.
Meanwhile, Antiguan teenager Jewel Andrew and 23-year-old Barbadian Jediah Blades earned their maiden call-ups.
In CPL 2024, at 17 years and 266 days, Andrew had become the youngest West Indian and second youngest overall to score a fifty in a major T20 league. He is currently in the Guyana Amazon Warriors squad in the ongoing Global Super League (GSL) in Guyana.
As for Blades, he has not played the CPL so far but had impressed with the new ball during the inaugural West Indies breakout league, a tournament that was held recently to identify emerging talent from the region.
Shai Hope will continue to lead the side, which also includes Rovman Powell.
“Our goals and strategic plans are aligned to winning the T20 World Cup in 2026,” coach Sammy said in a statement. “We have continuity in the squad from the previous series and as a unit we will continue to fine tune our style and brand ahead of the World Cup.”
“Our previous two T20 series at home we were on the wrong end of the results but starting against Australia, we want to regain our form at home as we build momentum into next year’s World Cup with our exciting and dynamic group of players.” (CMC/BT)
West Indies Squad
Shai Hope (captain), 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.
Team Management
Head Coach: Daren Sammy, Team Manager: Rawl Lewis, Assistant Coach (Batting): Floyd Reifer, Assistant Coach (Bowling): Ravi Rampaul, Assistant Coach (Fielding): Rayon Griffith, Physiotherapist: Dr Denis Byam, Strength & Conditioning Coach: Ronald Rogers, Massage Therapist: Darc Browne, Team Analyst: Avenesh Seetaram, Media & Content Officer: Jerome Foster.
Series Schedule
1st T20I: July 20 – Sabina Park, Jamaica, 2nd T20I: July 22 – Sabina Park, Jamaica, 3rd T20I: July 25 – Warner Park, St Kitts, 4th T20I: July 26 – Warner Park, St Kitts,
5th T20I: July 28 – Warner Park, St Kitts.
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