Star West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell has been quite forthright in his opinion on the widely debated reluctance of West Indies premier cricketers to play Test cricket. He said that it is not financially motivated that has caused Windies players to stop playing but pure disinterest in the longest format.
West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell (AFP)
This long-standing issue has seen prominent T20 stars like Russell, who is in high demand in leagues across the world, frequently decline to play Test cricket for West Indies. The situation reached a tipping point in December 2023, when high-profile players such as Jason Holder, Nicholas Pooran and Kyle Mayers declined central contracts with West Indies, even though they remained eligible for T20Is.
Interestingly, despite this, Holder continues to play in Tests.
“I don’t think it’s about the money, I don’t think money is an issue,” he told the Press Association, reported ESPNCricinfo.
“Judging by the number of T20s and leagues around the world, I think a lot of players are not interested in playing Test matches.”
“It’s always exciting to watch other West Indies batsmen, especially when they hit home runs one after the other. If they perform well on contracts outside their home country, I think they will grab that opportunity, but everyone wants to play on the big stage.”
“So I know that if the big stage comes up in Test cricket, the lads will be happy to play. I just don’t think it’s about the money or anything like that.”
Test cricket is ‘not my thing’
Russell himself is one of the busiest players in franchise cricket. Currently playing for The Hundred with London Spirit, Russell’s schedule is emblematic of the globetrotting life of a T20 cricketer. After wrapping up his stint with Major League Cricket, he will fly to England to play for The Hundred before heading straight to the Caribbean Premier League with Trinidad Knight Riders. Between March and May this year, Russell played for Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League.
“Red-ball cricket is not my forte and I don’t think my body can keep up with Test cricket,” he said, “But at the moment the guys in the squad are fit enough and up to the challenge. They’ve had some moments in the Test series.” [against England] “They could have turned things around. Playing England at home is always going to be difficult for the West Indies,” Russell said.