West Indies power-hitter Andre Russell brought the curtain down on his international cricket career on Wednesday (IST), playing his farewell match in the second T20I against Australia at Sabina Park. The visitors cruised to an eight-wicket win, but the night was all about the 37-year-old bidding adieu on home soil.
Having previously announced that the first two T20Is of the five-match series would be his last, Russell made his final appearance in front of his home crowd. Coming to the crease with West Indies struggling at 98/5, he smashed a quickfire 36 off just 15 deliveries, including four towering sixes and a couple of boundaries.
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After the game, Russell expressed his gratitude to fans and reflected on his journey.
“I just want to say thanks, thanks to the people in the Sabina Park and to the WICB for the opportunity. Just happy to play in front of the home crowd, the result didn’t go our way, but I’m just happy to have played so many matches and wish the team the best going forward. Thanks for all the support, I really appreciate it the most,” said Russell, who was a part of West Indies’ T20 World Cup-winning teams in 2012 and 2016.
“I remember the two World Cups we won, the flags going high, but at the end of the day – I think it was time to move ahead. We have a good bunch of guys (in the team), Shephard is throwing some punches, and there are the likes of (Sherfane) Rutherford, Alzarri (Joseph) and (Jason) Holder as well. Amazing to finish my career at the Sabina Park, the result didn’t go our way, but that’s the game of cricket. You’ve supported us a lot and do keep supporting us going ahead,” he added.
Russell, who received a guard of honour in his final outing in Maroon, retires from international cricket having played 85 T20Is, amassing 1,086 runs and picking up 61 wickets, a format in which he carved his global reputation as a fierce allrounder.