'Have a look at this': Classy moment from Aussie players as cult hero's final act in vain
Updated . First published at
West Indies cult hero Andre Russell has signed off from international cricket in style, blasting a quickfire knock in his side's T20 loss against Australia in Kingston, Jamaica.
It mattered little in the grand scheme of things however, as the tourists raced home to a dominant victory thanks to half-centuries from Josh Inglis and Cameron Green.
Coming in late in the Windies' innings at his home ground of Sabina Park on Wednesday (AEST), the retiring Russell produced a trademark performance, hitting four maximums and finishing with 36 off just 15 deliveries for the Windies.
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The 37-year-old didn't take long to get things moving, smacking just his second ball over the rope in a moment that was described as "signature Dre Russ" on commentary.
"He's on a mission this evening to end with a bang," Ian Bishop said.
After entertaining the crowd one final time, Russell would eventually fall to Aussie quick Nathan Ellis and was immediately swarmed by opposition players.
"Have a look at this now - nothing needs to be said," Brad Haddin said in commentary.
Australian players congratulate Andre Russell ESPN
While he walked off the ground to a standing ovation, Russell soaked in the adulation as Bishop set the scene for a tenure in the Windies team that won't be forgotten.
"The end of his international career," the former Windies bowler said.
"He will be thinking about his grandparents, who nurtured him as a young person.
"Those memories of travelling with his kid and trying to fetch into taxis to develop himself as a teenager, all flooding back now.
"He has inspired many and entertained many more."
Andre Russell leaves the field ESPN
Opening batter Brandon King hit 51 off 36 for the hosts as they posted a competitive total of 8-172, with leg-spinner Adam Zampa (3-29) the pick of the Aussie bowlers.
Glenn Maxwell (2-15) also chimed in with two crucial wickets, but his time at the crease in the run chase was short-lived, dismissed for 12 off 10 balls opening the batting.
Mitchell Marsh (21) hit a couple of sixes from the top of the order but didn't last long either, before the partnership of Inglis and Green kicked things into gear.
Inglis entered cruise control in rapid fashion en route to a classy 78 not out off 33 deliveries, while Green was just as clinical with 56 off 32 balls.
Cameron Green celebrates a fifty ESPN
In his final moments on the international stage, Russell was unable to lift the Windies, dropping a catch in the outfield and returning figures of 0-16 from one over.
The visitors chased down the total with 4.4 overs remaining as Green hit the winning runs with a boundary behind point.
Australia have now taken a 2-0 lead in the five-game series and will have the chance to wrap things up when the two sides meet again on Saturday morning (AEST).