West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell opened up on the real reason behind Caribbean players not willing to represent West Indies in Tests. He said that players are “just not interested in playing Tests” and it is not related to money.
Russell believes that with the rise of T20 franchise cricket around the world, red-ball cricket has lost its appeal in terms of attracting young players. Last year, established players like Jason Holder, Nicholas Pooran, and Kyle Mayers declined West Indies central contracts but made themselves available for T20Is. Holder, however, has played in Tests as well.
Russell, who played just one Test in his career, revealed that money is not the concern for turning down the Test opportunity.
“I don’t think it’s the money, I don’t think money is the issue. Based on the amount of T20 and leagues around the world, I think a lot of players are just not interested in playing Tests,” Russell told PA Media.
Russell, Shimron Hetmyer, Pooran, Rovman Powell, and Kieron Pollard were among the West Indians competing in The Hundred when the final Test against England was played in late July.
They are among the league's highest-paid players and are still competing in The Hundred while the Test series against South Africa is underway. Pollard, Powell, and Pooran have never played test cricket. Russell played one in 2010. Hetmyer has played 16 games, the last of which came in 2019.
“I’m always excited watching the other West Indian batters, especially when they’re hitting boundary after boundary. As long as you can do well from contracts outside your nation I think they are going to grab that opportunity but everyone wants to play on the big stage.
So, if the big stage comes in Test cricket, I know youngsters will be happy to play. I just don’t think it’s about money or anything like that,” he added.
Russell, 36, has maintained his dominance in short-format cricket despite a slew of injuries, particularly to his legs. He stated that playing Test cricket was not an option for him.
"Red-ball cricket is not my cookie, I don't think my body will keep up with Test cricket. But those in the team at the moment are fit enough and taking on the challenge. They had a few moments in the Test series [against England] where they could have turned things around. Playing England at home is always going to be hard for the West Indies,” Russell concluded.
(IANS inputs)
