Andre Russell entertaining Australian crowd in the Big Bash League
Andre Russell is making an impression in the Big Bash League with Sydney Thunder. The West Indian all-rounder led a dominant 36-run victory over the Sydney Sixers in the 2015-16 Big Bash League season opener at Spotless Stadium.
Russell was effective, taking 3-13 from four overs and celebrating each wicket with all the swagger that Australian audiences have come to expect from the Jamaican athlete.
The 27-year-old is the standard modern day player. He spends eight months of the year living away from his home, plying his trade around the world in different Twenty20 leagues.
Before coming into the Big Bash, he spent time with the Comilla Victorians in the Bangladesh Premier League and the VKB Knights in the South African Ram Slam T20 Challenge. He also plays for the Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League.
In an interview, the Jamaican said, “Actually it's not an easy life. I was talking to one of my friends yesterday and I was telling him living out of a suitcase and travelling is hard. Everyone is saying yo, I want to live your life, it can be stressful, travelling for 14 hours flying... getting to different environments and meeting different teammates.
“But I have a nice personality so it's not hard for me to get along with anyone. I can easily just adjust and get into the system and get to know people.”
I would hate to disappoint the people: Russell
Russell said he came to Australia to entertain the people. He said, “I want to make sure that whatever people expect from me, I give it to them.
“They're expecting big sixes and fancy celebrations and the dances. And we're Caribbean guys so we're not going to be boring. We're going to be enjoying ourselves.”
Many would contend he is typical of what is wrong with West Indian cricket. The West Indian cricket team has been roundly criticised following the side's surrender to Australia in the first Test in Hobart, where the Windies lost by an innings and 212 runs.
But the all-rounder is relaxed with his decision to pursue a living as a short-form specialist. He thinks it will prolong his career and also defends his right to make his own decision.
Apart from cricket, the 27-year-old combines his cricket commitments with a promising music career as a rap artist. He has released several songs under the name "Dre Russ".