Russell says money isn’t behind West Indies’ Test struggles

West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell does not believe money is the only factor responsible for the decline of Test cricket in the Caribbean.

The 36-year-old, still a star of the T20 circuit, claims there is a general disinterest among modern West Indies cricketers regarding the longest format of the game.

“Based on the amount of T20 leagues around the world, I think a lot of players are just not interested in playing Tests,” Russell said in a recent interview.

“I don’t think it’s the money, I don’t think money is the issue.

“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.

“If the big stage comes in Test cricket, I know youngsters will be happy to play.”

Russell explained why he played only one Test match in his international career, citing the physical demands of the game.

“Red-ball cricket is not my cookie, I don’t think my body will keep up with Test cricket,” he said.

West Indies struggling in Test cricket

Russell’s comments come as the West Indies occupy bottom place in the ICC World Test Championship rankings.

West Indian cricket has suffered a mass exodus of players to foreign T20 leagues, including the likes Russell, Nicholas Pooran, Kieron Pollard and Shimron Hetmyer.

In contrast to players like Jason Holder who have stayed loyal to the Test format, others have prioritised T20 cricket over national duty by declining central contracts.

Despite all the bad news, the West Indies are in contention to beat South Africa in the ongoing Test series between the two sides.

The hosts remarkably held off the Proteas at Queen’s Park Oval, grinding out a draw in the first Test last week.

While they had their fair share of help from Mother Nature, the result will be encouraging for Kraigg Brathwaite and company as they prepare for the second Test in Guyana.

South Africa remain the favourites at -136.99 to win the match, with the West Indies at +300 and a draw paying +500 with top cricket bookmakers.

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