KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – Andre Russell turned again the arms of time, if just for a quick second, in a spectacular show of energy hitting in opposition to Australia in his final worldwide look for the West Indies on Tuesday evening.
The 37-year-old Jamaican arrived on the crease with the Windies struggling on 98 for 5 within the 14th over and proceeded to hit a whirlwind 36 off simply 15 balls, inclusive of 4 sixes and two fours, to deliver the big crowd at Sabina Park to its ft.
When he was dismissed, caught by wicketkeeper Josh Inglis off the bowling of Nathan Ellis, he was congratulated by the entire Australian gamers earlier than leaving to a standing ovation.
An emotional Russell wiped tears from his eyes as he made his method up the steps, the place he was embraced by his teammates and training workers, signaling the top of a sterling 15-year worldwide profession.
And whereas he didn’t bow out in profitable vogue, with the Windies dropping by eight wickets, Russell, who earlier than the beginning of the match got here out to a guard of honour from each West Indies and Australia and was additionally honoured by Jamaica’s Minister of Sport, Olivia Grange, relished the second.
“Thanks once more to the individuals at Sabina Park, because of the West Indies Cricket Board for making this attainable. I’m very grateful to finish my profession right here, taking part in in entrance of my dwelling crowd, household, and buddies.
“The end result didn’t go my method, however on the finish of the day, I’m blissful and grateful, and I want the boys all the perfect and I want them luck transferring ahead,” Russell stated on the finish of the match.
“I’ll most keep in mind the 2 World Cups that we gained and seeing the flags flying excessive and going throughout. I appreciated that, however on the finish of the day, I really feel prefer it’s time for me to hold it up and need the blokes all the most effective transferring ahead.
“I feel we now have a very good bunch of fellows, the all-rounders that we now have in Romario Shepherd, Jason Holder is again and match, and Matthew Forde and all the blokes. I’m very grateful for this superb worldwide profession, ending it at Sabina Park, and I need to repeat because of the followers and preserve supporting,” he added.
