Andre Russell of London Spirit has stated that some of the top West Indies cricket players have abandoned the Test format in favor of limited-overs competitions, citing a lack of enthusiasm rather than financial hardships.
When England’s crushing 3-0 Test series victory over the once-dominant West Indies was completed earlier this month, a number of current Caribbean stars were getting ready for lucrative stays in the Hundred category of English domestic cricket.
Russell’s only red-ball cap came in 2010, while Pooran, Powell, and Pollard have never played a single Test despite being well-known as explosive batters on the franchise circuit.
It’s been said for a while that the Caribbean players find franchise cricket especially appealing because of Cricket West Indies’ relative lack of financial power, but Russell says there are other reasons why players from the region are choosing to end their first-class careers early.
“I don’t think it’s the money, I don’t think money is the issue,” he told Britain’s PA news agency.
“Based on the amount of T20 and leagues around the world, I think a lot of players are just not interested in playing Tests.”
The 36-year-old added: “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.”
Russell, who is sure that he is not built for five days of Test cricket, expressed sympathy for the West Indies team, whom England thrashed in less than ten days of the scheduled fifteen.
“Red-ball cricket is not my cookie, I don’t think my body will keep up with Test cricket,” Russell explained. “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 where they could have turned things around. Playing England at home is always going to be hard for the West Indies.”
