Shimron Hetmyer makes his return to the West Indies ODI squad for a three-match series against England, starting in Antigua, fueling excitement among fans.
The West Indies cricket team has announced a significant update ahead of their upcoming one-day international series against England, set to commence in Antigua on Thursday. Shimron Hetmyer has been reinstated into the ODI squad, replacing Alick Athanaze as the only alteration from the group that recently traveled to Sri Lanka.
Hetmyer’s return is notable, as he last appeared in ODIs in December 2023 during a series where the West Indies triumphed over England with a scoreline of 2-1. His absence from the Sri Lankan tour was due to personal commitments, yet he demonstrated his form in the Caribbean Premier League, where he finished fifth on the run-scorers’ list.
Athanaze, who was part of the previous squad, was initially positioned as one of the openers. However, he ceded his place to Evin Lewis for the final ODI in Pallekele. Lewis made a remarkable comeback to ODI cricket by scoring an unbeaten 102 runs from 61 balls, leading the West Indies to a consolation victory in that match under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method.
The West Indies squad will be captained by Shai Hope. The roster also features 17-year-old Jewel Andrew, who made his debut at the conclusion of the Sri Lanka series and is considered one of the emerging talents in West Indies cricket.
England, having already arrived in the Caribbean, is gearing up for their third limited-overs series in the region since 2022. Liam Livingstone will captain the England side during this ODI segment, while regular captain Jos Buttler continues to recover from a calf injury that has sidelined him since July.
The longstanding cricket rivalry between West Indies and England adds an exhilarating dimension to this series. Daren Sammy, the West Indies head coach, acknowledged the unique challenge of facing England, remarking on the enduring nature of this contest. He emphasized the tendency of West Indies players to elevate their performance against England, a dynamic that has captivated fans for generations. Sammy also pointed out that winning the ODI series in the Caribbean for the first time in several years last year has amplified their eagerness to face a formidable England team once more.
The home advantage is expected to play a critical role, as local fans are known for their passionate support, creating a vibrant atmosphere at matches. The overarching goal for the West Indies cricket side is securing qualification for the ICC Men’s World Cup in 2027. To that end, the squad has been purposefully constructed to ensure a well-balanced team capable of competing with one of the premier cricketing nations in the world.
The series will unfold at Antigua’s Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, where the first two ODIs will be held before the action shifts to Barbados. Following the ODI series, the teams will engage in a set of five T20 internationals, hosted at the Kensington Oval and the Daren Sammy National Stadium in St Lucia.
For cricket enthusiasts, the West Indies ODI squad is as follows: 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, and Hayden Walsh Jr.
As the teams prepare for this highly anticipated series, fans can look forward to a showcase of skill, competitiveness, and the rich legacy of West Indies cricket against a strong English side.
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