West Indies Announce Squad for Australia T20Is, Andre Russell Set to Retire Mid-Series
Cricket West Indies has announced a 16-member squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series against Australia, scheduled to take place from July 20 to 28 across Sabina Park in Jamaica and Warner Park in St. Kitts. The squad features a mix of experienced campaigners and fresh talent, with a major emotional highlight being the farewell of veteran all-rounder Andre Russell, who is set to retire from international cricket after the first two matches of the series.
Russell, 37, will play his final international matches at Sabina Park, his home ground, bringing an end to a career that spanned more than a decade. A vital part of the West Indies sides that lifted the ICC T20 World Cups in 2012 and 2016, Russell made his mark as one of the most explosive T20 players in the world. He has represented West Indies in 84 T20Is, scoring 1,078 runs at a strike rate of 163.08 and taking 61 wickets, with best figures of 3 for 19. In ODIs, he played 56 matches, scoring 1,034 runs and taking 70 wickets, while his lone Test appearance came early in his career.
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Russell has been a force in the global T20 franchise circuit, amassing 9,316 runs and 485 wickets across 561 matches. His power-hitting and death-over bowling have made him a fan favorite in leagues around the world. Most recently, he featured for the Los Angeles Knight Riders in the Major League Cricket in the USA.
His retirement comes just seven months before the ICC T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka in February 2026. He becomes the second major West Indies player to step away from international duties recently, following Nicholas Pooran’s retirement at age 29.
As for the squad, Shai Hope continues as captain, with experienced players like Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, and Rovman Powell providing stability. Two promising youngsters, Jewel Andrew and Jediah Blades, have earned their maiden T20I call-ups. Andrew, just 18, is being viewed as a top batting prospect and will also serve as a back-up wicketkeeper. Blades, a left-arm seamer who debuted against Bangladesh in 2024, stood out in the inaugural West Indies Breakout League, especially during powerplay overs.
Head coach Daren Sammy emphasized that the team’s goal remains centered on preparing for the 2026 T20 World Cup. He noted that the team has retained continuity from its recent series win against Ireland and aims to build a strong, dynamic unit. Sammy also pointed out that the upcoming home series offers an opportunity to re-establish West Indies’ dominance on home soil after recent losses at home in the T20 format.
The West Indies squad for the T20I series against Australia includes: Shai Hope (captain), Jewel Andrew, Jediah Blades, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Rovman Powell, Andre Russell, Sherfane Rutherford, and Romario Shepherd.
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