The Cricket West Indies (CWI) on July 25, 2023, announced their squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against India which begins on July 27 onwards. The squad sees the return of Shimron Hetmyer after a two-year gap and pacer Oshane Thomas was included as well.
The 15-man squad sees the inclusion of fast bowler Jayden Seales and legspinner Yannick Cariah following their rehabilitation from surgeries while left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie has also returned post his injury.
Also the CWI release mentioned that ace all-rounder Jason Holder and keeper-batter Nicholas Pooran are unavailable for selection, while Keemo Paul is out injured.
Shimron Hetmyer’s Style Of Batting Will Offer A Lot Especially In The Middle Of Innings: Desmond Haynes
Despite making himself eligible for selection, Hetmyer was not included in the West Indies ODI World Cup Qualifying team in May because the management preferred to extend the careers of the players who had excelled in the preceding series. West Indies lost four out of their final seven games in the Qualifier, preventing them from moving on to the main event.
In August 2022, during a home T20I series against New Zealand, Hetmyer made his final appearance for the West Indies. His final ODI was played in Barbados in July 2021 against Australia.
Fast bowler Thomas, meanwhile, last played for West Indies in December 2021 and has been out of contention in recent times with fitness issues.
“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’,” said Desmond Haynes, the chief selector.
Kensington Oval in Barbados is set to host the first two matches on July 27 and 29 respectively, while the third and final ODI will be played at the Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad on August 1.
West Indies squad for India ODI series: Shai Hope (Captain), Rovman Powell (Vice Captain), Alick Athanaze, Yannic Cariah, Keacy Carty, Dominic Drakes, Shimron Hetmyer, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Kyle Mayers, Gudakesh Motie, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd, Kevin Sinclair, Oshane Thomas
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