Andre Russell announces his replacement in West Indies team
Table of Contents
Two-time champions of the T20 World Cup, all-rounder Andre Russell has made a final call on his appearance in international cricket. He announced his retirement a few days ago, which was scheduled after the termination of the first two T20Is against Australia.
Russell bid an emotional goodbye to international cricket on his home ground in Jamaica, after the West Indies lost the second T20 international, going down 2-0 in the second T20I of the series.
"I just want to say thanks, thanks to the people in the Sabina Park and to the WICB for the opportunity. Just happy to play in front of the home crowd; the result didn't go our way, but I'm just happy to have played so many matches and wish the team the best going forward," said Russell in the post-match interview.
"The result didn't go our way (today). Thanks for all the support; I really appreciate it the most," added the big Jamaican.
Andre Russell hints at his replacement in Romario Shepherd
Andre Russell was not going through any bad patch of form or hitting any low in his career; hence, this was just the right time for him to hang up his boots, as he also named a few more West Indies players who are currently doing very well.
While sharing insights on several players, he hinted towards Romario Shepherd, his fellow teammate, as his ideal replacement on the national side.
"I remember the two World Cups we won, the flags going high, but at the end of the day - I think it was time to move ahead, we have a good bunch of guys (in the team), Shepherd is throwing some punches and....."
"....there are the likes of Rutherford, Alzarri and Holder as well. Amazing to finish my career at the Sabina Park, the result didn't go our way, but that's the game of cricket. You've supported us a lot and do keep supporting us going ahead," Russell said.
Andre Russell retires after an entertaining show with the bat
Andre Russell, a serial entertainer in the shortest format of the game and a true legend who has won several matches with his game-changing performance, did not go down lamely even in his final appearance for the West Indies.
Coming in to bat first, the West Indies struggled early, but Dre Russ walked in to bat in the 14th over of the match. He turned the heat on quickly with some massive sixes off Ben Dwarshius. The Australians looked terrified by the monstrous hits from the Jamaican giant.
Russell ended up being impressive with the bat, scoring 36 runs off just 15 balls with 2 fours and 4 sixes and a strike rate above 200.
Russell's replacement, Romario Shepherd's statistics in T20Is
Andre Russell named Romario Shepherd as his replacement in the West Indies team; the big all-rounder has already played considerable cricket for the West Indies and has an impressive all-round tally.
Shepherd has played 57 T20Is for the nation while picking up 60 wickets with the ball at an average of 27.98. Though his economy is not seemingly on the good side, he has batted for 591 runs, averaging nearly 25 with a strike rate of 140.71.
