For Caribbean all-rounder Andre Russell, Sabina Park feels like the perfect venue to bid farewell to international cricket.
A two-time T20 World Cup winner and the man behind countless unforgettable innings — what does Russell himself consider the best moment of his international career?
Before stepping away from the global stage, the star all-rounder revealed that his proudest moment in West Indies colors came during the 2016 T20 World Cup semifinal. Among the 141 matches he played for his country, that innings still stands out.
In that memorable game against India at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, West Indies were chasing 193. Walking in at number five, Russell faced the challenge with 41 needed from 41 balls. Smashing 4 sixes and 3 fours, he scored a blistering 43* off 20 balls to guide his team home.
With 18 required off 8 balls, Russell launched Ravindra Jadeja for a six and a four off consecutive deliveries, reducing the target to 8 runs heading into the final over. Then, against Virat Kohli’s bowling, he hammered a boundary and a six to seal a seven-wicket win with two balls to spare.
In an interview with Cricket West Indies, the 37-year-old picked that knock as his career’s finest.
“Of course, (my best moment was) the 2016 World Cup, that semifinal against India, where I and Lendl Simmons took the team to victory. Of course, we got a good start from the other batsmen too,” Russell said.
“Chasing over 190 in India, with a crowd that was only supporting the home team — the pressure was on. But the pitch was really good, and the confidence we had in the dressing room, plus the batting depth behind me, gave me the freedom and belief to go out and play my role.”
A few days later, West Indies lifted their second T20 World Cup title in four years after a dramatic final win over England in Kolkata — with Russell again playing his part in the team’s success.
Now, Russell is set to bow out of international cricket after the first two T20Is of the upcoming five-match series against Australia. Both matches will be held at his home ground, Sabina Park in Jamaica, scheduled for Monday and Wednesday morning (Bangladesh time).
For Russell, Sabina Park couldn’t be a better stage for his farewell.
“It feels really good. I think of the first time I came to Sabina Park as a kid — walking on the grass, feeling the atmosphere, looking around at the stands… and now, after all these years, I’ve gained so much from cricket,” he reflected.
“I’ve given my best every time I got the chance to represent the West Indies. In my opinion, this is the perfect venue and the perfect series to end my international career — playing against a top team like Australia. I’ve seen a lot on social media and the internet lately, and honestly, it’s made me a bit emotional. But the decision is made. I feel I’ve done enough, and now I can say, yes, this is it for me in international cricket.”
