AS Sabina Park erupted in cheers and applause on Tuesday, iconic all-rounder Andre Russell stood at the centre of it all, a mix of emotions swirling within him.

The night marked a special occasion — his farewell match for the West Indies — and as such, the crushing, eight-wicket defeat to Australia in the Twenty20 (T20) contest couldn’t quite overshadow the sense of pride and gratitude that filled his heart.

Russell’s explosive knock of 36 runs off 15 balls, featuring four sixes and two boundaries, electrified the crowd in Kingston, Jamaica during his farewell match. When Russell walked onto the field the West Indies were struggling at 98-5 in 13.5 overs. However, he wasted no time in taking charge, sharing a crucial, 41-run, sixth-wicket partnership with Rovman Powell. His innings came to an end when he was caught by wicketkeeper Josh Inglis off Nathan Ellis’s bowling, leaving the West Indies at 139-6 in 16.5 overs.

Russell’s knock helped the West Indies post what appeared a competitive total of 172-8 in 20 overs. But Australia effortlessly chased down the West Indies’ total, reaching 173-2 in just 15.2 overs. Inglis and Cameron Green were in scintillating form, playing a crucial role in their team’s victory.

Inglis was unbeaten on 78 while Green remained unbeaten on 56. The duo shared a 131-run, third-wicket partnership, which was instrumental in Australia’s win.

Despite his team’s defeat Russell’s performance was a fitting farewell to his international career. The crowd showed immense appreciation for Russell, cheering him on as he took and departed the field.

“Well as a kid, the first time I came to Sabina Park I think I was around 11 or 12 years old and I was doing all sort of stuffs in the grass and then never knew what would have happened or where cricket would take me, to be honest,” Russell reminisced, his eyes gleaming with nostalgia.

“And then to make a dream become a reality — you know, playing my last international game for the West Indies really means a lot, and with the celebration that they did earlier I had to hold back some tears because when you know it’s your last game and this badge means so much,” said Russell, who had made his T20 International debut on April 21, 2011 against Pakistan.

Russell spoke about the challenges he faced throughout his career, from injuries to rehab, and the scrutiny he faced from fans.

“I have being going through so much injuries; doing all sort of rehab; plus still turning up, playing on the park, showcasing your talent, and going through a lot of backlash with fans years after years — with fans saying this and that but won’t understand and know the injuries that we have to deal with,” he said, his voice filled with conviction. “No one knows until you post something [on socia media] but I am not a posting guy when it comes on to my injuries, but it was a very good career.”

Despite the setbacks, Russell’s love for the game and his appreciation for the support he received from the Cricket West Indies (CWI) and the fans shone through.

“Thanks to the [CWI] for making this possible. I have always wanted to retire from cricket in sceneries like this, seeing a lot of footballers having their last football games with the emotions and tears, all of those things. But, I am a tough cookie; big man don’t cry but at the end of it, it feels good to know that you can have a stadium, your home town, to have people standing up, cheering you on. You have your family, kids, and fans in the stands,” the 37-year-old said.

Russell also spoke about the special bond he shared with the Jamaican fans, from playing for West Indies and in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

“I have always felt the love from the Jamaican fans,” he said, a smile spreading across his face.

“I remember since the CPL days, when the CPL was very active here every year, the turnout that we always got representing the [Jamaica] Tallawahs was always fantastic, and I know the love for me, and for cricket in Jamaica, and for the Jamaican players are there,” Russell said.

As Russell looked back on his illustrious international career he highlighted the positives he will take away with him.

“Two T20 World Cups, having the highest runs scored at number nine batting for the West Indies, the highest strike rate in the world in T20 cricket,” he listed, his pride evident.

“A lot of people don’t know these things but I am a statistics guy when it comes on to my career because this is my job, this is what I do, and there are personal goals that I want to set and achieve as a fast bowling all-rounder,” he said.

Russell’s eyes sparkled as he spoke about his future goals.

“Not a lot of players bowl fast, have the amount of runs I have, trophies and all those things. It is all about goals for me for now. Walking away from this uniform, I just want to make sure that, by two to three years, if I can finish my career with 20 trophies, that’s a goal I want to achieve. I currently have 16 trophies,” he noted.

As the crowd cheered and chanted his name, Russell stood tall, his legacy forever etched in the annals of West Indies cricket history.

“It feels good to know that you can have a stadium, your hometown, to have people standing up, cheering you on, you have your family and kids, fans in the stands. I appreciate the turnout. A lot of people came the first game, and tonight was a good atmosphere as well, and so it really gives us that extra boost and push,” he ended.

West Indies head coach Daren Sammy (left) congratulates cricketer Andre Russell on his final international match.