FOLLOWING the West Indies’ decades of challenges in Test cricket, Jamaica and West Indies white ball all-rounder Andre Russell doesn’t believe things will change rapidly due to players’ lack of interest in the format.

The Caribbean side had a summer to forget after losing all three Tests during their tour of England last month and going down 1-0 in their two-match series against South Africa, which ended on Saturday.

However, the team’s struggles in the longest format aren’t new, as the Windies, who were once one of the most feared teams, have significantly declined over the last 20 years, with an average position of eighth in the ICC Men’s Test rankings.

In fact, since 2020 they’ve only won four of the 16 series they’ve played, with three of those series victories coming against Bangladesh and Zimbabwe who are ranked below the top eight of the standings.

One of the major reasons posited for the Windies’ decline is the popularity of T20 cricket, with many of the region’s stars — including Russell — heavily criticised for prioritising franchise cricket over international duties due to the lucrative contracts being offered.

However Russell, whose only Test appearance came in 2010, doesn’t believe the financial aspect is what is plaguing the team’s growth in Test cricket.

“I don’t think money is the issue. Based on the number of T20 leagues around the world, I think a lot of players are just not interested in playing Tests,” Russell told the Press Association.

The 36-year-old, who has won multiple titles in T20 cricket including the World Cup and the Indian Premier League, says the playing style of Test cricket will need to change to become attractive to the younger generation.

“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,” he said.

There have been suggestions in the past that the likes of Russell, Nicholas Pooran and Shimron Hetmeyer could make a major difference to the team due to their high skill levels with the bat, something the West Indies has battled with as batsmen struggle to average above 30 in the format.

However Russell, who has wrestled with injuries in recent years, doesn’t believe Test cricket is for him and is backing the current players to make a difference.

“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. They had a few moments in the Test series [against England] where they could have turned things around. Playing England at home is always going to be hard for the West Indies.”

After requesting to be rested for the West Indies T20 International series against South Africa, which begins on Friday, Caribbean fans are likely next to see Russell play in the upcoming 2024 Caribbean Premier League season with the Trinbago Knight Riders.