WI vs AUS 2025: To represent the West Indies has been one of the proudest achievements in my life’ – Andre Russell announces international retirement

Andre Russell in West Indies T20I. (Photo Source: Ashley Allen/Getty Images)

Andre Russell is the second high-profile West Indies cricketer to retire from international cricket in recent times. In June, Nicholas Pooran announced his decision to step away from the international circuit.

Russell, 37, had been playing only T20Is since 2019. He finished with 1078 runs from 84 T20Is at an average of 22 and a strike rate of 163.09. With the ball, he accounted for 61 wickets at an average of 30.59 and an economy rate of 9.31. Apart from this, Russell played one Test and 57 ODIs.

“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

“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.

Russell has been named in the West Indies squad for the first two T20Is in the five-match series against Australia, which begins on Monday, July 21. These two matches will be played at his home ground – Sabina Park in Jamaica. The action will shift to Basseterre, St kitts for the final three T20Is and Matthew Forde will replace Russell in the side for those games.

West Indies squad for T20Is against Australia: Shai Hope (C), 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.

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