WI Vs AUS, 2nd T20I: Andre Russell Ends 'Amazing' International Career With Typical Batting Brutality

Andre Russell was “happy and grateful” despite ending his international career with a T20I defeat to Australia.

The all-rounder bowed out with the bat in typical fashion, smashing 36 off 15 balls in four maximums and two fours.

Russell played 86 T20Is for West Indies, scoring 1122 runs at a strike rate of 163.79. He reached the half-century mark three times, with a high score of 71.

He was in the West Indies’ squad for both the 2012 and 2016 men’s T20 World Cup victories.

Although West Indies fell to an eight-wicket loss at Sabina Park, Russell’s home ground, the 37-year-old was filled with gratitude after the match.

“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,” said Russell.

“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. Really appreciate it.

“We tried our best. I feel like it's time for me to just hang it up, and wish the boys all the best moving forward. I'm very grateful for this amazing international career finishing at Sabina Park. Keep supporting.”

Australia cruised to victory thanks to a brilliant 131-run partnership between Josh Inglis (78 not out) and Cameron Green (56 not out).

It is now Australia's biggest third-wicket partnership in the format, overtaking the 118 previously set by Aaron Finch and Glenn Maxwell, while Green has now scored 423 runs across his last 14 innings in T20s and reached a half-century in back-to-back matches for only the second time.

Australia captain Mitchell Marsh was full of praise for Green.

Marsh said: “I think we've got a lot of talented players in Australia.

“Green's obviously a very valuable player for us. Doesn't play a lot of T20 cricket for Australia. A really important player.”