The West Indies cricket team has announced its 16-member squad for the upcoming five-match T20 International series against Australia, and the return of veteran all-rounder Andre Russell has excited fans. This series will be played on home soil in the West Indies. However, during this series, Andre Russell will retire from international cricket. He has already made the decision to hang up his boots. Recently, Nicholas Pooran also retired from international cricket. West Indies cricket is definitely in the shambles right now.
Andre Russell to Retire from International Cricket
Russell will bid farewell to international cricket after the first two matches of the series, which will be played at his home ground, Sabina Park in Jamaica. Since 2019, Russell has only featured in T20 Internationals and has played a total of 84 T20I matches. He has decided to retire seven months ahead of the next T20 World Cup, which is scheduled to be held in India and Sri Lanka in February 2026. His retirement will be a significant blow to West Indies cricket.
Two-Time T20 World Cup Winner
According to reports, Russell had initially planned to play in the 2026 T20 World Cup, but now he seems to have shifted his focus entirely to franchise cricket and will step away from the international stage. Russell was a part of the West Indies squad that won two T20 World Cups—in 2012 and 2016.
He has represented the West Indies in 1 Test, 56 ODIs, and 84 T20Is. In his only Test appearance, he scored 2 runs and took 1 wicket. In ODIs, he scored 1,034 runs and picked up 70 wickets. In T20Is, he scored 1,078 runs and claimed 61 wickets.
West Indies Squad for T20I Series vs Australia
- Shai Hope (Captain)
- 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