west indies were forced to make early team reshuffles during their ODI series against new zealand After one of their key all-rounders got injured. After making a winning start to the three-match series, the Caribbean team will now have to continue it. Justin GreavesWhose recent performances have made him an important part of the national setup across all formats.
The injury comes at an unfortunate time for Greaves, who has performed brilliantly in international cricket over the past few months. With two ODIs still to be played before West Indies turn their attention to the upcoming Test series against Pakistan, the selectors have moved quickly to strengthen the squad by recalling an experienced campaigner.
Justin Greaves ruled out of New Zealand ODI series
Cricket West Indies confirmed that Greaves has been ruled out of the second and third ODIs against New Zealand with a back injury. The all-rounder had already missed the first ODI in Providence due to this problem and has now returned to Barbados to continue his rehabilitation.
The selectors have recalled the left-handed batsman to replace Greaves. Shimron Hetmyer To the squad. Hetmyer was initially unavailable for the first leg of the New Zealand series as he was representing the Seattle Orcas in the 2026 Major League Cricket season. However, with the franchise failing to qualify for the playoffs, he has now joined the West Indies team.
Hetmyer was also recently named in West Indies’ ODI squad for the Sri Lanka series, but was not included in any of the three matches. During this year’s MLC campaign, he scored 164 runs in 10 matches at a strike rate of 136.66, giving the selectors confidence ahead of his return to international cricket.
The updated West Indies squad for the remaining ODIs against New Zealand includes:
Shai Hope (captain & wk), Akeem Auguste, John Campbell, Casey Carty, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Shimron Hetmyer, Amir Zangu, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Vitale Laws, Gudakesh Moti, Keemo Paul, Sherfane Rutherford, Jayden Seales.
Also read: West Indies vs New Zealand, ODI Series: Date, Match Time, Broadcast and Live Streaming Details
Greaves’ recent performances for West Indies
Greaves’ absence is a significant blow given his influence in recent months. The all-rounder was one of the standout performers during West Indies’ recent Test series against Sri Lanka, where he scored a memorable unbeaten 180 in the final Test to help his team earn their first Test series win since 2023.
His excellent performances earned him the Player of the Series award and further cemented his place in the national setup. Cricket West Indies has said that Greaves will continue his rehabilitation in Barbados and will be re-evaluated ahead of the final two ODIs against New Zealand as well as the two-match Test series against Pakistan.
With West Indies already leading the ODI series 1-0 after a seven-wicket win in the opening match, the hosts will hope Hetmyer can make an immediate impact as they look to seal the series before heading to Bridgetown for the remaining fixtures.
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