West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell is set to retire from international cricket, with the first two matches of the upcoming five-match T20I series against Australia at home marking his final appearances for the national team. The 37-year-old, who has been a key figure in West Indies’ T20 setup for over a decade, will bid farewell at Sabina Park in Jamaica, his home ground.
Russell has been included in the 16-member squad for the series, which runs from July 20 to 28. His retirement follows closely on the heels of another major departure, with batter Nicholas Pooran recently stepping away from international duties at just 29.
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Since 2019, Russell has represented West Indies exclusively in the T20I format. Over 84 T20 internationals, he has scored 1,078 runs at a strike rate of 163.08, with an average of 22.00. His highest score in T20Is is 71, and he has registered three half-centuries. With the ball, he has taken 61 wickets at an average of 30.59, with best figures of 3 for 19.
Russell’s international career also includes 56 ODIs, in which he scored 1,034 runs at an average of 27.21 and a strike rate of over 130. He has four half-centuries to his name in the 50-over format, with a top score of 92 not out. With the ball in ODIs, he has claimed 70 wickets at an average of 31.84, including best figures of 4 for 35. His Test career was limited to just one appearance.
He was a key part of the West Indies squads that won the ICC T20 World Cup titles in 2012 and 2016, contributing with both bat and ball during a golden era for West Indies in the shortest format.
Off the international circuit, Russell has had a prolific career in T20 leagues around the world. He has played 561 T20 matches, scoring 9,316 runs at an average of 26.39 and a strike rate exceeding 168. His career includes two centuries and 33 fifties, with a top score of 121 not out. He has also taken 485 wickets at an average of 25.85, with best bowling figures of 5 for 15.
Most recently, Russell played in the Major League Cricket (MLC) in the United States for the Los Angeles Knight Riders. He scored 126 runs in nine matches, with a highest score of 65 not out, and took 10 wickets. Despite his efforts, LAKR finished at the bottom of the points table and did not qualify for the playoffs.
Russell’s retirement comes seven months ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup scheduled for February 2026 in India and Sri Lanka. His departure marks the end of an era for West Indies cricket, as they look to rebuild with a younger squad for the future.
The full West Indies squad for the T20I series against Australia includes 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, and Romario Shepherd.
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