Shimron Hetmyer Returns to West Indies ODI Squad for England Series
The ODI series will kick off on October 31 at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua, with the second ODI also taking place at the same venue. The teams will then head to Barbados for the series finale. Following the ODIs, the West Indies and England will engage in a five-match T20I series.
Shimron Hetmyer is set to make his comeback to the West Indies ODI squad for the upcoming home series against England. Hetmyer last played in this format during a match against the same team in December 2023, and since scoring a century against India in December 2019, he has not achieved a half-century.
His inclusion marks the only change to the 15-member squad that recently toured Sri Lanka, with Alick Athanaze making way for him. Athanaze had a disappointing series, scoring just 10 and 1 in his appearances and missing out on the final ODI, which the West Indies managed to win. The West Indies started the Sri Lanka tour with a victory in the first T20I but ultimately lost the series and the first two ODIs. However, they ended the tour on a positive note in the final ODI, where Evin Lewis, returning for his first ODI in three years, scored a rapid century.
Jewel Andrew, a 17-year-old debutant who played in the final ODI but did not get a chance to bat, has retained his place in the squad. The squad for the England series includes: Shai Hope (captain), Alzarri Joseph, Jewel Andrew, Shimron Hetmyer, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd, and Hayden Walsh Jr.
The ODI series will kick off on October 31 at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua, with the second ODI also taking place at the same venue. The teams will then head to Barbados for the series finale. Following the ODIs, the West Indies and England will engage in a five-match T20I series.
Head Coach Daren Sammy highlighted the significance of this rivalry, stating, "Playing against England always provides a new challenge and reignites a rivalry that the players and the people of the Caribbean are eager for. We West Indies always find a way to raise our game when we face England."
Sammy also noted the historical context of this rivalry, reflecting on their previous success against England at home in an ODI series last year. "It's always special to play at home, where the local support brings energy and passion to every match. With our sights set on qualifying for the ICC Men's World Cup in 2027, we've selected a balanced squad that will undoubtedly compete with one of the best teams in the world."
