New Delhi: Star West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell will leave international retirement after playing for West Indies in the first two T20Is against Australia at his home ground of Sabina Park, Jamaica.

The 37-year-old is expected to announce his decision later on Wednesday, reports Sponne.

West Indies will take on Australia in a five-match T20I series and Russell has been included in the 16-member squad.

Russell has played only T20Is for West Indies since 2019 and has represented them 84 times. He is set to quit seven months ahead of the T20 World Cup, which will be scheduled to be held in India and Sri Lanka in February 2026.

He will be the second top West Indian cricketer after Nicholas Pooran to bid adieu to international cricket in the last two months.

Russell was a member of the T20 World Cup winning West Indies squads in 2012 and 2016.

New faces

West Indies called up Jewel Andrew and Jediah Blades for the first time in their T20I squad.

Shai Hope will continute to be the captain, experienced campaigners Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, and Rovman Powell are also in the line-up.

“Our goals and strategic plans are aligned to winning the T20 World Cup in 2026,” Windies coach Daren Sammy said.

“We have continuity in the squad from the previous series and as a unit we will continue to fine tune our style and brand ahead of the World Cup.

“Our previous two T20 series at home we were on the wrong end of the results but starting against Australia, we want to regain our form at home as we build momentum into next year’s World Cup with our exciting and dynamic group of players.”

The West Indies squad:

Shai Hope (capt), 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, Romario Shepherd