Russell is one of a handful of cricketers to have won at least 10 T20 titles across the world, including multiple IPL titles with the Kolkata Knight Riders and T20 World Cup triumphs. However, the 37-year-old has only featured in one Test for the Windies and has not been a part of the 50-over set-up since 2019. Speaking to the Guardian, Russell said he did not look down upon the T20 cricket system and said it remains as important as any international assignment.
However, Russell said the outlook wasn’t the same for a cricketer from the Caribbean. “I think when you’re from India, Australia, England, those places where they look after their Test players, it’s totally different to being from West Indies,” said Russell.
“Those guys get lucrative central contracts to play Test cricket and play on the biggest stages, of course they want to play. West Indians? You might play 50 or 100 Tests, and you know, after you retire, there’s not much to show for it.”
Although he believes in the value of Test cricket, Russell said that he wouldn’t sacrifice any of his franchise cricket accomplishments for a better red-ball status.
“I was basically pushed out of the Test set-up. They saw me as more of a white-ball player and that was that,” said Russell, whose solitary Test appearance came back in 2010.
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“Honestly? No. I believe in Test cricket, but at the end of the day, I’m a professional. It wasn’t part of my journey. I have no regrets because it wasn’t me that turned my back,” he added.
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