West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell to retire after first two T20Is against Australia

‌Andre Russell has decided to retire from international cricket after the first two T20Is against Australia in Jamaica next week. The West Indies all-rounder, who made his international debut in 2010, will hang up his boots after representing the side for close to 15 years. 

The 37-year-old Russell has played 56 ODIs with a tally of 1034 runs at an average of 27.21 and a strike rate of 130.22 while also picking up 70 wickets. T20Is have been his go-to format, with the big-hitter scoring 1078 runs from 84 games at a belligerent strike rate of 163.08. The two-time T20 World Cup winner has also picked up 61 wickets with his medium pacers at a strike rate of 19.7. Russell has played a solitary Test match against Sri Lanka in Galle, scoring two runs and picking up a wicket.

"Words cannot explain what it meant. To represent the West Indies has been one of the proudest achievements in my life," Russell said. "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."

"Andre has always been the consummate professional and a fierce competitor," coach Daren 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’s retirement is the second high-profile exit in West Indies cricket and comes on the heels of Nicholas Pooran’s shock announcement last month. The Windies will have a tough time replacing the duo as they kick off preparations for the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka next year.

The five-match T20I series against Australia will start on Monday, 21st July, with the first two matches to be played at Sabina Park, Russell’s home ground in Jamaica. Matthew Forde has been named as Russell's replacement in the Windies squad for the last three T20Is in St Kitts.