West Indies have recalled Shimron Hetmyer into the ODI side as a three-match One Day International (ODI) series against India awaits them.
The first encounter is slated to commence on Thursday, July 27, with the climactic finale set to unfold on Tuesday, August 1. Amidst their recent setback, tasting defeat in a two-match Test series against the formidable Indian side, led by the masterful Rohit Sharma, the West Indies cricket team is now poised for a fresh challenge.
As the series beckons, the West Indies has unveiled the roster that will confront the Indian opponents. Following their disheartening losses during the ODI World Cup Qualifiers, which resulted in missing out on the prestigious tournament later this year, the team is eager to embark on a rebuilding journey and return to their peak performance levels as swiftly as possible.
The ODI squad announcement unveiled several familiar faces who have previously represented the national team. Among them, the hard-hitting sensation, Shimron Hetmyer, makes his much-anticipated comeback, infusing hope and vigour into the West Indies' batting lineup. Additionally, the pace battery boasts the inclusion of Oshane Thomas, accompanied by Jayden Seales and the artful leg spinner, Yannick Cariah.
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Shimron Hetmyer and Oshane Thomas return to West Indies ODI squad
Expressing his delight at the squad selection, lead selector Desmond Haynes seized the spotlight and warmly embraced the return of both Thomas and Hetmyer to the 50-over setup. In effusive praise, he lauded Thomas' blistering pace and ability to pluck wickets with the new ball, while also hailing Hetmyer's prowess in finishing crucial innings during the middle phase of the match.
“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,” said Haynes.
“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',” he added.
Hetmyer last played an ODI for West Indies in July 2021 while he represented them in T20Is in last August. After that, he was sidelined from their white-ball squad over fitness and disciplinary issues. Hetmyer had missed the flight to the T20I World Cup last year, and he had been out of West Indies' ODI setup since then. He, however, had been a familiar name in T20 Leagues around the world and had been seen in scintillating form as well. He has been most impressive for the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL over the last couple of years, and Haynes was quick to undo the selection committee's mistake and welcome him back into their white-ball setup.
The West Indies' ODI squad consists of Shai Hope as the captain, with Rovman Powell serving as the vice-captain. In addition to Hetmyer and Thomas, the lineup features Alick Athanaze, Yannic Cariah, Keacy Carty, Dominic Drakes, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Kyle Mayers, Gudakesh Motie, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd, Kevin Sinclair, and Oshane Thomas, all set to don the Windies' colors.
Apart from them seven other players have been named who will be there with the Caribbean side in the white-ball camp as backups. They are Roston Chase, Obed McCoy, Kevin Wickham, Kasem Hodge, Jair MacCallister, McKenny Clarke, Dennis Bulli.
The West Indies Cricket Board also provided updates on three other players. Keemo Paul is injured and that's why he was unavailable for selection, whereas Nicholas Pooran and Jason Holder were both unavailable for selection due to unknown reasons.
As far as the venues for the three matches are concerned, the Kensington Oval will host the first couple of ODIs on July 27 and 29, whereas the third match of the series will be played in Trinidad.
With the stage now set for an enthralling ODI showdown, the West Indies is determined to regroup and exhibit their formidable talents. As they gear up to take on the Indian cricketing juggernaut, the Windies faithful hold their breath in anticipation of a spirited resurgence from their beloved team. As the sun sets on the horizon of cricketing anticipation, the cricketing world eagerly awaits the unfolding drama that this three-match ODI series promises to deliver.
Complete West Indies ODI Squad
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
Probable West Indies Playing XI
Shai Hope (C/wk), Kyle Mayers, Brandon King, Shimron Hetmyer, Alick Athanaze, Rovman Powell, Dominic Drakes, Romario Shepherd, Alzarri Joseph, Oshane Thomas, Yannick Cariah, Kevin Sinclair
Also Read: India vs West Indies 2023: Schedules, venues and Key players
West Indies vs India ODI Series Schedule
- 27 July: 1st ODI, Kensington Oval, Barbados
- 29 July: 2nd ODI, Kensington Oval, Barbados
- 1 August: 3rd ODI, Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Trinidad
