Andre Russell looks set to pull the curtains on a colourful international career in front of a home crowd at Sabina Park this weekend. The 37-year-old has been named in West Indies’ squad for the five T20s against Australia, yet it is understood the opening two matches in Kingston will be his final appearances in maroon.
Russell has lived a T20-only existence since 2019, collecting 84 caps, 61 wickets and a reputation as one of the game’s fiercest late-order hitters. His decision lands seven months before the next T20 World Cup, to be staged in India and Sri Lanka in February 2026, and comes hot on the heels of Nicholas Pooran’s own international exit.
A two-time World Cup winner, Russell bowled the new ball in the 2016 final and removed Alex Hales in the second over, a moment many England fans still recall. Those triumphs in Colombo (2012) and Kolkata (2016) remain high-water marks for a side now in transition.
Youth promoted
Chief among the new faces are teenager Jewel Andrew and 23-year-old seamer Jediah Blades, both receiving maiden call-ups. Andrew’s fifty for Jamaica Tallawahs in CPL 2024, struck at 17 years and 266 days, made him the youngest West Indian and second-youngest anywhere to reach the landmark in a major T20 league. Blades, yet to feature in the CPL, impressed with the new ball during the recent Breakout League, a scouting exercise aimed at unearthing regional talent.
Shai Hope continues as captain, while Rovman Powell returns after sitting out the Global Super League for Dubai Capitals.
“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,” coach Daren Sammy said. “Our goals and strategic plans are aligned to winning the T20 World Cup in 2026.
“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.”
Analysis
Russell’s impending departure removes a proven finisher and experienced voice from the dressing room but also frees up room for a younger all-rounder to settle. His body has complained loudly in recent years, and a calendar packed with global leagues often saw him juggling commitments. From a planning perspective, clarity now may trump a late withdrawal closer to the 2026 tournament.
West Indies squad
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.
For Russell, two nights in Kingston should offer a fitting, if understated, farewell; for the rest, the hard work towards 2026 starts immediately.
