West Indies cricket is going through a tough phase as they are looking at another rebuild after losing some of their biggest stars. The 2 time World T20 champs have lost their last two home series one to Bangladesh and then to India. They are currently playing New Zealand in a home series and have lost their first game of the 3 match T20 series. West Indies have hit a downward spiral since the retirement of Chris Gayle and Dwayne Bravo since the last World T20 which was played in UAE and hosted by India. The caribbeans made their exit in the first phase of the tournament.
The Story as it happened -
Andre Russell is one of the most sought after names in the shortest formats of the game. The 34 year old from Jamaica hasnt played for the Caribbeans since the end of last T20 World Cup. Russell is currently playing in the 100 in England for Manchester Originals. Phil Simmons who is the coach of the West Indies was recently asked about the status regarding Andre Russell. The West Indian coach was rather curt in his reply when he said while speaking to ESPNCRICINFO "It hurts. There’s no other way to put it. But what can you do? I don’t think that I should be begging people to play for their countries. I think if you want to represent West Indies, you will make yourself available. Life has changed, in that people have the opportunities to go different places and if they choose that over West Indies, that’s just how it is.From what I have gathered, I think he is unavailable because he hasn't made himself available."
Andre Russell comes up with a stoic reply -
Russell who was busy playing the IPL with KKR and later has been seen in the 100 took to Instagram and wrote " I know this was coming but am gonna stay quiet". The 34 year old has played for the West Indies against Australia during the T20 World Cup in Abu Dhabi last year. SInce then the men in maroon have played series at home and away against India, away to Pakistan, have hosted Bangladesh and are currently playing New Zealand. Russell hasn't been picked for any of the games. West Indies have lost Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard all of whom have retired and were a huge part of their 2 World Cup title wins. The latest embrago isnt going to sit well with the fans as they are crying out for some firepower as yet another World Cup beckons the 2 time champs.