Red-ball cricket is not my cookie, I don’t think my body will keep up with Test cricket: Andre Russell

Andre Russell is widely acclaimed for his T20 prowess as the all-rounder has featured in numerous leagues around the world for different franchises. Know for his power-hitting and clinical bowling, he has been an integral part of Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL for more than a decade now. He is representing West Indies in T20Is and has ruled the thought of playing Test cricket and ODIs.   

The Caribbean debuted in 2007 for West Indies and has only played 17 first-class matches and a lone Test back in 2010. Moreover, he has played 56 ODIs and his last came in 2019 against Bangladesh during ICC World Cup 2019. While speaking of his steadfastness towards the shortest format of the game, the 36-year-old also admitted to not having fitness suitable for Test cricket.

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"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,” said Russell as quoted by TOI.

I think a lot of players are just not interested in playing Tests: Russell

Russell is one among the piling number of players who have decided to stick to white-ball cricket or more precisely T20 cricket. The likes of Quinton de Kock, Hardik Pandya, and Haris Rauf are the latest to openly admit their preference for T20Is. Unfortunately, former West Indies cricketer, Brian Lara had highlighted the huge payment disparity as a reason for the young Windies cricketers' disinterest in red-ball cricket. Shedding light on the same, Russell opined money is not the reason for the lack of enthusiasm.

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"I don’t think it’s the money, I don’t think money is the issue. Based on the number of T20 players and leagues around the world, I think a lot of players are just not interested in playing Tests. 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.