KINGSTON, Jamaica – West Indies’ Andre Russell bid an emotional final farewell to international cricket on 22 July, as he bowed out of the game at his home ground Sabina Park in Jamaica.
The occasion began with a guard of honour, where both West Indies and Australian players formed a corridor to salute Russell as he walked onto his home turf for the final time in maroon.
Before an energetic capacity crowd at Sabina Park, Jamaica’s Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia Grange, met Russell on the field and presented the 37-year-old with a special commemorative gift of an encased bat-shaped guitar, draped in the Jamaican flag, to symbolize his dual identity as both a cricket and Jamaican legend.
Playing his 86th and final T20 international, Russell delivered exactly what the fans hoped for.
Batting at number seven with the West Indies in trouble at 98-5, he produced a fiery and much-needed cameo knock of 36 from 15 deliveries which featured two fours and four sixes.
Russell was his usual explosive self with trademark big hitting and helped the West Indies to a spirited total of 172/8.
Despite a notable individual performance and a memorable pre-match ceremony, the Jamaican’s last dance was overshadowed by Australia’s eight-wicket victory, which gave the visitors a 2-0 lead in the current five-match T20I series.
Regardless of the disappointing result, Russell still took time to greet adoring fans, sign autographs and even take selfies after the match. His post-match comments reflected both the gratitude and natural disappointment of ending on a losing note.
“I just want to say thanks again. I’m very grateful to end my career here played in front of my home crowd, family and friends. The result didn’t go my way, but at the end of the day, I’m happy and grateful. The crowd has been amazing in the last two games. I really appreciate it.”
“Dre Russ’” retirement marks the end of an era for West Indies cricket.
Over his 15-year international career, he successfully established himself as one of the T20 cricket’s most feared all-rounders and in so doing, became a global superstar and ambassador.
The guard of honour from both teams and the adulation of the Sabina Park crowd served as fitting recognition of a player who consistently delivered excitement and match-winning performances.
Ultimately, the match will be remembered not for the result, but for the celebration of one of cricket’s most beloved entertainers, who bowed out thrilling crowds with explosive batting at his beloved Sabina Park.
