Andre Russell Bids Farewell to International Cricket with Guard of Honour at Sabina Park

New Delhi (India) July 23: Andre Russell's focused face appears with a small smile as he comes down to play his last international match. Both his opponents, Australia and his colleagues from the West Indies, were there to present him with a heartfelt Guard of Honour. 

Special farewell at Sabina Park

Olivia Grange is Jamaica's minister of sports and culture. She presents him with a memento. It was a special moment for Russell as he is playing his last match for the West Indies. He is playing it at his home ground Sabina Park, Kingston.

Russell had already declared his plan to retire from international cricket after playing the first two Twenty20 Internationals. 

He said, “Words cannot explain what it meant. To represent the West Indies has been one of the proudest achievements in my life. When I was a kid, I did not expect to get to this level, but the more you start to play and get to love the sport, you realize what you can achieve. This inspired me to become better because I wanted to leave a mark in the maroon colours and become an inspiration to others” in a statement.

Russell hoped for a winning goodbye

Russell said during the mid-innings break that he merely wants to avoid losing. 

He said, "Just don't want to finish on a losing note, that's important to me and the West Indies. Want to finish my international career with a win. I was a bit emotional when I went out to the middle for the last time, but I was focused on my work . When you have positive intent, it becomes easy, nice to keep hitting sixes."

However, Russell's wish was not achieved. Australia won the match in just 15.2 overs. This is because of the brilliant fifties of Josh Inglis and Cameron Green. Russell gave 16 runs for no wicket in the one over he bowled.

Russell plays quick knock

Russell scored 36 off 15 balls before he got out. Nathan Ellis took his wicket. He hit two fours and four sixes. In the 15th over, he smashed three sixes against Ben Dwarshuis. 

West Indies scored a respectable 172 for eight wickets. A strong start was given by openers Shai Hope (63 runs in eight overs) and Brandon King (51). 

Australia lost Glenn Maxwell early in the chase. Jason Holder took his wicket in the second over.

However, Josh Inglis and Cameron Green gave a masterclass performance after that. Together, they dominated the innings. They led Australia to win with 28 balls remaining.

They had a record-breaking 119-run partnership. This is Australia's greatest third-wicket partnership in Twenty20 Internationals.

The West Indies will try to get back in the third Twenty20 International at Warner Park, Basseterre.

Russell has 86 caps on his name. He was a member of the Windies team that won the T20 World Cups in 2012 and 2016. He has also played 56 ODIs. Interestingly, Russell has played only one Test for the West Indies team.

Aadrika Tayal