Andre Russell is poised to call time on his international career, with the West Indies allrounder set to retire following the opening two T20 Internationals of the upcoming home series against Australia.
Russell, 37, has been named in the West Indies squad for the five-match series starting Sunday at Sabina Park in Kingston, Jamaica, his home ground, but ESPNcricinfo reports that these two matches will serve as his farewell to the international arena.
A two-time T20 World Cup winner, Russell was an integral part of the West Indies teams that lifted the trophy in 2012 and 2016. He memorably took the new ball in the 2016 final and dismissed England’s Alex Hales early on in Kolkata. Having not played ODI or Test cricket since 2015, Russell has been a T20I-only player for the Caribbean side since 2019, amassing 84 caps.
His decision to step away comes seven months before the next T20 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka in February 2026. He becomes the second high-profile West Indian to retire in recent months, following Nicholas Pooran’s decision to step away from international duties in June.
While Russell’s departure marks the end of an era, the squad also signals the beginning of a new chapter, with teenage sensation Jewel Andrew and 23-year-old pacer Jediah Blades earning their maiden international call-ups.
Andrew, just 17, rose to prominence in the 2024 Caribbean Premier League when he became the youngest West Indian and second youngest overall to score a fifty in a major T20 tournament. He is currently representing the Guyana Amazon Warriors in the Global Super League. Blades, meanwhile, caught the eye during the recently launched West Indies Breakout League, impressing with his pace and swing in the powerplay.
Shai Hope will continue to lead the side, supported by experienced campaigners including Rovman Powell, who missed the GSL due to commitments with Dubai Capitals, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, and Alzarri Joseph.
Head coach Daren Sammy underlined that the focus remains firmly on the long-term goal of lifting the T20 World Cup in 2026. “Our goals and strategic plans are aligned to winning the T20 World Cup in 2026,” Sammy said in a statement. “We have continuity in the squad from the previous series and as a unit we will continue to fine-tune our style and brand ahead of the World Cup.”
Sammy acknowledged the team’s recent struggles in home series but expressed optimism about the upcoming challenge: “Our previous two T20 series at home, we were on the wrong end of the results. But starting against Australia, we want to regain our form at home as we build momentum into next year’s World Cup with our exciting and dynamic group of players.”
West Indies T20I squad to face Australia:
Shai Hope (capt), 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.