In a significant boost for the West Indies cricket team, Shimron Hetmyer has been recalled to the ODI squad for West Indies’ upcoming three-match series against England, starting this Thursday in Antigua. Hetmyer replaces Alick Athanaze, marking the only change from the West Indies squad that recently concluded a series in Sri Lanka.
Hetmyer, who last represented the West Indies in ODIs back in December 2023 during a series victory over England, returns after missing the Sri Lanka tour due to personal reasons. He showcased his formidable batting skills during the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), finishing fifth on the run-scorers list, which likely influenced the selectors’ decision to bring him back into the fold.
Athanaze, previously one of the team’s openers, lost his spot after Evin Lewis’ stunning performance in the third ODI against Sri Lanka, where Lewis scored an impressive 102 runs off just 61 balls, contributing to a consolation victory for the West Indies.
The squad will be led by Shai Hope, who is keen to harness the energy of playing on home soil. Young batting talent Jewel Andrew, only 17 years old, is also included in the lineup after making his debut at the end of the Sri Lanka series.
West Indies head coach Daren Sammy expressed excitement about the upcoming series, stating, “Playing against England always provides a new challenge and reignites a rivalry that the players and the people of the Caribbean are eager for. This rivalry goes back for decades, and after defeating them last year at home for the first time in a long time in an ODI series, we’re ready to face the challenge of a strong England squad again.”
England arrives in the Caribbean for their third limited-overs tour since 2022, with Liam Livingstone taking the reins as captain in the absence of Jos Buttler, who is still recuperating from a calf injury.
The first two ODIs will be hosted at Antigua’s Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, before the series shifts to Barbados. Following the ODI matches, the teams will compete in five T20Is at the Kensington Oval and Daren Sammy National Stadium in St Lucia.
West Indies ODI Squad for England Series
Shai Hope (captain), Jewel Andrew, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Shimron Hetmyer, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Sherfane Rutherford, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd, Hayden Walsh Jr.
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