Iconic West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell is reportedly expected to announce his retirement from international cricket on Wednesday, with his farewell set for the opening two T20 Internationals against Australia at his home ground, Sabina Park.
The 37-year-old, a pivotal figure in the West Indies' two T20 World Cup triumphs, will step away from the international stage just seven months before the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.
Russell has been a T20I specialist for the West Indies since 2019, accumulating 84 caps in the shortest format. His retirement marks the second high-profile West Indies player to call time on their international career in less than two months, following Nicholas Pooran's recent departure.
"Our goals and strategic plans are aligned to winning the T20 World Cup in 2026," head coach Daren Sammy stated, acknowledging the team's ongoing rebuild. "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."
Russell's impact on West Indies cricket is undeniable, particularly in T20Is. He was a key member of the squads that lifted the T20 World Cup trophies in 2012 and 2016. In the 2016 final in Kolkata, he famously took the new ball and dismissed England's Alex Hales early in the innings, setting the tone for a historic victory.
While Russell bids adieu, the West Indies squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series against Australia, commencing this Sunday, features fresh faces. Teenager Jewel Andrew, 17, and 23-year-old Jediah Blades have earned their maiden international call-ups.
Andrew, who became the second-youngest overall and youngest West Indian to score a fifty in a major T20 league during CPL 2024, is currently part of the Guyana Amazon Warriors in the Global Super League (GSL). Blades, a left-arm seamer, impressed with his new-ball prowess in the inaugural West Indies Breakout League, a tournament designed to unearth regional talent.
Shai Hope will continue to lead the side, which also includes Rovman Powell, who missed the GSL while playing for Dubai Capitals. Sammy emphasised the team's commitment to regaining their home form. "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."
The West Indies squad for the T20I series against 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.
