Andre Russell has finally come out with what the whole cricketing world has been dwelling on: the West Indies players are not willing to play Test cricket.

"I don't think it's the money, I don't think money is the issue," he told Press Association. "Based on the amount of T20 and leagues around the world, I think a lot of players are just not interested in playing Tests."

The franchise versus country debate has been raging for the past few years and several established cricketers have chosen franchise leagues over Test and ODI cricket.

Most recently, in December 2023, Jason Holder, Nicholas Pooran and Kyle Mayers turned down West Indies central contracts, but made themselves available for T20Is. Holder, though, has since played Tests.

Russell's remarks came after West Indies, placed at the bottom in the nine-team World Test Championship table, were swept 3-0 in England. They have since drawn the first Test in Port of Spain against South Africa, following rain interruptions.

The second Test begins in Providence on Thursday.

Russell, Shimron Hetmyer, Pooran, Rovman Powell and Kieron Pollard were among the West Indians playing in The Hundred when the last Test against England was being played in late July. Pollard, Powell and Pooran have never played Test cricket. Russell played one, in 2010. Hetmyer has played 16, the last of them in 2019.

"I'm always excited watching the other West Indian batters, especially when they're hitting boundary after boundary," Russell said. "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."

Russell has made it clear that his fitness will not allow him to play Tests.