Andre Russell cited his century in the Mumbai semi-final of the 2016 T20 World Cup as his proudest memory from his 141 West Indies outings in the run-up to his retirement from international cricket.
West Indies needed 77 from 41 balls as Russell entered the game at No. 5 in a pursuit of 193 against tournament hosts India. Russell hit Virat Kohli over the midwicket boundary to complete the victory with two balls remaining after scoring an undefeated 43 from just 20 balls.
Russell stated in an interview with Cricket West Indies (CWI) that “[my best moment] was definitely the 2016 World Cup, that semi-final game against India where I brought the team home, me and Lendl Simmons, and obviously the start that we got from the other batters.”
“Chasing 190-plus in that semi-final in India, with the crowd supporting India only, that was already a bit of pressure, but the wicket was a very good wicket, so the confidence that we had in the changing room and the batters that were left to come, it gave me the freedom and the confidence to go out and play the role that I did.”
West Indies won the T20 World Cup for the second time in four years after defeating England in an exciting final in Kolkata. Russell participated in both of those victories.
“Obviously, two World Cups, it’s just a different emotion,” he stated. “You go to sleep, wake up [the morning after the final], and find you’ve only slept for two hours, but you feel rested because all you want to do is check the internet for what’s happening, all of those positive remarks, and all of those memories.
“By just seeing the [social media] posts and seeing stuff going around on the internet, I get a bit emotional, to be honest, but, you know, decision already made, and I think I’ve done well enough to actually say, yes, that’s it for me towards international cricket” Andre Russell.
“So those are the two most important moments, playing for West Indies.”
Following the first two Twenty20 Internationals against Australia on July 20 and 22, which will both take place at Kingston, Jamaica’s Sabina Park, Russell will call it quits on the international scene.
Russell remarked, “It’s a pretty good feeling,” as he signed off at his home field. “I believe I’ve accomplished a lot in cricket over the past few years, starting with my first visit to Sabina Park as a child, walking on the ground, taking in the ambiance, and watching from the stands. I represented the West Indies to the best of my ability at every opportunity.
“I believe it’s the ideal venue and series to cap off my international career, especially since Australia is a strong squad. I admit that I get a little emotional just by looking at [social media] postings and other things that are going around online, but I’ve already made up my mind and I believe I’ve performed well enough to say, “Yes, that’s it for me towards international cricket.”
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