'We have a good bunch of guys...': Andre Russell hints at his replacement in West Indies team after farewell international game

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'We have a good bunch of guys...': Andre Russell hints at his replacement in West Indies team after farewell international game
Andre Russell of West Indies waves to the fans after batting for the final time in international cricket during the second T20I against Australia at Sabina Park in Kingston, Jamaica, on July 22, 2025.

Story Highlights:

Andre Russell hit 4 sixes in his 36-run cameo.

Russell bowled just one over and conceded 16 runs.

Russell recalled West Indies' two T20 World Cup title wins in his retirement speech.

West Indies' two-time T20 World Cup-winning all-rounder, Andre Russell made his final appearance in international cricket at his homeground, The Sabina Park in Jamaica. He big goodbye to the international arena with an eight-wicket loss to Australia in the second T20I of the series. After the defeat, Russell was in check with his emotions. He obliged to fans asking for selfies and autographs before he was called by the presenter. 

"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. The result didn't go our way (today), thanks for all the support, I really appreciate it the most," Russell said in the post-match presentation. 

 

 

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Russell feels it is the right time to hang his boots. He named a few players who are doing well for West Indies. He hinted at his replacement in the team as well by taking Romario Shepherd's name.

"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 added. 

 

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In his final game, Russell was impressive with the bat. Walking out to bat in the 14th over, he hit four sixes and two fours in his 15-ball 36 cameo. With the ball, he wasn't impressive and conceded 16 runs in the only over he bowled.

Russell's replacement Shepherd's statistics -

Shepherd has played 57 T20Is so far and taken 60 wickets at an average of 27.98, including a four-fer. His economy rate is nearly 10 runs per over. With the batm he has 591 runs at an average of 25.69 and strike rate of 140.71. He is yet to score a fifty in T20Is.