The Cricket West Indies has announced the inclusion of star batter Shimron Hetmyer in the 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against India. The series is set to kick off on Thursday at the iconic Kensington Oval in Barbados.
Hetmyer, who hasn’t represented the West Indies side for almost a year, has secured his place in the team based on his impressive performance in the Indian Premier League (IPL) with the Rajasthan Royals. The left-handed batsman showcased his prowess by accumulating a total of 299 runs from 13 innings during the tournament.
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Having last played an ODI for the Caribbean side two years ago, Hetmyer’s recall is a significant moment in his international career. His last appearance in a 50-over match came against Australia in July 2021.
The squad selection came after a productive four-day camp at Kensington Oval, aimed at preparing the white-ball players for the forthcoming ODI series against India, followed by a five-match T20I series.
Alongside Hetmyer, the selectors have also recalled fast bowler Oshane Thomas, who adds pace and the potential for early wicket-taking with the new ball. Additionally, the team welcomes the return of Jayden Seales, a fast bowler, and Yannic Cariah, a leg-spinner, following their rehabilitation from surgery. Left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie has also earned his place in the squad after recovering from injury.
The first two matches of the three-match ODI series will be held at the historic Kensington Oval on Thursday and Saturday, while the third and final ODI is scheduled to take place at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad on August 1.
Chief selector and West Indies legend Desmond Haynes expressed his anticipation for the ODI series against India and conveyed his confidence in Hetmyer and Thomas to perform well. In an official statement released by CWI, Haynes said, “We welcome Oshane and Shimron back into the group. Both have played at the international level before, with some success, and we believe they will fit well into the set-up. Oshane brings pace and is a potential wicket-taker with the new ball. Shimron’s style of batting will offer a lot, especially in the middle stage of the innings, and he is also a potential ‘finisher’.”
Nicholas Pooran and Jason Holder will be unavailable for the series, while wicket-keeper batter Shai Hope has been named captain for the three matches.
Notably, the West Indies missed out on qualifying for the ODI World Cup this year after finishing outside the top two in the recently concluded ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier tournament in Zimbabwe.
West Indies squad: Shai Hope (c), Rovman Powell (vc), Alick Athanaze, Yannic Cariah, Keacy Carty, Dominic Drakes, Shimron Hetmyer, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Kyle Mayers, Gudakesh Motie, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd, Kevin Sinclair and Oshane Thomas.
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