Being a young, rich, jet-setting Twenty20 gun-for-hire who moonlights as a rapper might look like a lot of fun but Andre Russell says it's hard being Andre Russell.
The Calypso excitement machine came to Australia with one goal in mind, to put on a show and didn't disappoint in his debut outing for the Sydney Thunder on Thursday night.
The West Indian allrounder spearheaded a dominant 36-run victory over the Sydney Sixers in the 2015-16 Big Bash League season opener at Spotless Stadium.
Russell was effective as he was entertaining, taking 3-13 from four overs and celebrating each wicket with all the verve and swagger that Australian audiences have come to expect from the Jamaican master blaster.
The 27-year-old is the archetypical modern day player - he spends eight months of the year living out of a suitcase plying his trade around the world in various Twenty20 leagues.
Coming into the Big Bash, he spent time with the Comilla Victorians in the Bangladesh Premier League and the Knights in the South African Ram Slam T20 Challenge.
"Actually it's not an easy life," Russell said.
"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."
Some would contend he is symptomatic of what is wrong with West Indian cricket, which has been roundly criticised following the side's capitulation to Australia in the first Test in Hobart, where the Windies lost by an innings and 212 runs.
Russell is relaxed with his decision to chase a living as a short-form specialist, saying it will prolong his career and defends his right to make his money where he can.
He also has a burgeoning career as a rapper and has released several songs under the nom de plume "Dre Russ".
While he is an easy target for critics, he prides himself on his professionalism and few could doubt his talent or ability to put bums on seats.
Earlier this week he created a social media sensation when video emerged of him smashing Shane Watson onto the Spotless Stadium roof during a training session.
Russell said he came to Australia aiming to entertain the people and would hate to disappoint.
"I want to make sure that whatever people expect from me, I give it to them," Russell said.
"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."
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