ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) — Two-time World Cup champion Andre Russell has called it quits on his international career.
The 37-year-old Jamaican, 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 Cricket West Indies (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,” he said.
“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 added.
On Wednesday, CWI confirmed earlier reports that the upcoming T20I series against Australia would be Russell’s final time representing the regional side.
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,” Sammy said. “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. Russell will be replaced by Matthew Forde for the Warner Park leg of the series.