"Everyone wants the big stage" Andre Russell explains why some West Indies players don't play test cricket

Andre Russell played only one test match in his career, in 2010.

T20 specialist Andre Russell opened up on his thoughts about why many West Indies players are “just not interested in playing tests.”

West Indies players were the first to be T20 globetrotters, flying around the world and playing in various leagues while deciding to skip matches for West Indies. Russell says it’s not only about the money but also about the “big stage”.

“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,” he told Press Association recently.

Youngsters will be happy to play on the big stage in test cricket: Andre Russell

Russell featured in only one test match in his career, back in 2010. The likes of Kieron Pollard, Rovman Powell and Nicholas Pooran never played test cricket and are some of the most fearsome T20 hitters. Last year, Jason Holder, Nicholas Pooran and Kyle Mayers turned down central contracts from the Cricket West Indies (CWI).

The 36-year-old Russell reckons if the “big stage” comes in test cricket, then West Indies’ youngsters will be happy to play the longest format. Until then, he adds, the lucrative T20 contracts will lure them away from test cricket.

The all-rounder 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.”

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