In an emotional and fitting farewell at Sabina Park, Jamaica, Andre Russell received a guard of honour from both his West Indies teammates and the touring Australian side as he stepped onto the field one last time in maroon colours.
The 37-year-old, widely regarded as one of the most explosive T20 players in the game’s history, had earlier confirmed that this match would mark the end of his T20I career. A two-time T20 World Cup winner, Russell’s T20I journey includes 1122 runs in 86 matches, boasting a staggering strike rate of 163. With the ball, he claimed 61 wickets.
Ahead of the five-match series, Russell had revealed his decision to retire from T20Is, expressing deep pride in representing the Caribbean nation.
“Words cannot explain what it meant. To represent the West Indies has been one of the proudest achievements in my life,” Russell had said. “When I was a kid, I never imagined getting to this level. But as I grew in the sport, I realized the impact I could make and wanted to leave a lasting legacy in the maroon jersey.”
He added that playing in front of his home crowd, surrounded by family and friends, was the perfect setting for his final international appearance. “I want to finish on a high note while inspiring the next generation of cricketers from the Caribbean.”
A Farewell Knock to Remember
Coming in at a challenging point in the innings with West Indies reeling at 98 for 5, Russell unleashed a trademark counterattack. He smashed 36 runs off just 15 balls, featuring two boundaries and four towering sixes. His fireworks included maximums off Ben Dwarshuis and Adam Zampa, and a boundary off Nathan Ellis, before eventually falling to Ellis in the 17th over. Russell’s burst of energy helped lift West Indies to a competitive total of 172 for 8.
