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Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced its 15-man squad for the opening three ODIs of the upcoming home series against New Zealand, with the biggest talking point being teenage spinner Vitale Laws’ first senior call-up.
Three matches will be played in Guyana before the series shifts to Barbados for the final two fixtures. The selectors have largely retained the core group that was involved in the recent ODI series against Sri Lanka, while making some notable changes. Laws has been rewarded for his performances at junior level despite not playing a professional match, while Keemo Paul has returned to the team after Shamar Springer was unavailable following the death of his mother.
West Indies team announced for New Zealand’s first three ODIs, Vittel Laws included in the team for the first time
The key selection is 19-year-old left-arm wrist spinner Vittel Lawes, who has earned his first senior call-up after spending time training with the West Indies squad during preparations for the domestic season. Lawes impressed at the ICC Under-19 World Cup earlier this year, where he took 10 wickets and bowled more dot balls than any other player in the tournament.
Should he make his debut during the New Zealand series, it would also be his first professional appearance, as he has yet to feature in first-class, List A or T20 cricket. To support the youngster during his debut assignment, former West Indies spinner Nikita Miller has been added to the team management for the Guyana leg of the series.
The team sees Keemo Paul replacing Shamar Springer, who stepped down following the death of his mother. Meanwhile, Shimron Hetmyer is unavailable after receiving a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to fulfill his Major League Cricket commitments.
West Indies will enter the series after a rain-affected ODI campaign against Sri Lanka, where they lost the opening match and the remaining two matches were washed out. The first three ODI matches against New Zealand are to be played in Guyana on 11, 13 and 16 July.
Inclusion of Vettel laws is strategic – Darren Sammy
West Indies head coach Darren Sammy said the New Zealand series is an important part of the team’s preparations for the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, adding that maximum importance is being given to each ODI from this point forward.
“Whatever series we play here ahead of the 50-over World Cup, we definitely look at them as must-win situations. The matches against New Zealand provide us with the best opportunity to continue our improvement as an ODI unit and win more matches for the Caribbean,” he said.
Sammy also explained that Laws’ selection fits into the team’s long-term plans as they continue to identify players who can strengthen the ODI team in different situations.
“The addition of Vettel Laws is strategic as we continue our long-term approach of highlighting players who can complement the team in the circumstances best suited to their skill set,” he said.
West Indies team for the first three ODIs against New Zealand
Shai Hope (captain & wk), Akeem Auguste, John Campbell, Casey Carty, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Justin Greaves, Amir Zangu, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Vitale Laws, Gudakesh Moti, Keemo Paul, Sherfane Rutherford, Jayden Seales.
