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Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced a 15-member squad for the opening three ODIs of the upcoming home series against New Zealand, with the biggest talking point being the maiden senior call-up for teenage spinner Vitel Lawes.
The three matches will be played in Guyana before the series moves to Barbados for the final two fixtures. The selectors have largely retained the core group that featured in the recent ODI series against Sri Lanka, while making a few notable changes. Lawes has been rewarded for his performances at the junior level despite not having played a professional match, while Keemo Paul has returned to the squad after Shamar Springer made himself unavailable following the passing of his mother.
West Indies name squad for first three New Zealand ODIs, Vitel Lawes earns maiden call-up
The headline selection is that of 19-year-old left-arm wrist-spinner Vitel Lawes, who has earned his first senior call-up after spending time training with the West Indies squad during the home season preparations. Lawes impressed at the ICC Under-19 World Cup earlier this year, where he claimed 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 will also be his first professional appearance, as he is yet to feature in first-class, List A or T20 cricket. To support the youngster during his first assignment, former West Indies spinner Nikita Miller has been added to the team management for the Guyana leg of the series.
The squad also sees Keemo Paul replace Shamar Springer, who withdrew following the death of his mother. Meanwhile, Shimron Hetmyer remains unavailable after receiving a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to fulfil 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 before the remaining two games were washed out. The first three ODIs against New Zealand are scheduled for July 11, 13 and 16 in Guyana.
The inclusion of Vitel Lawes is strategic - Daren Sammy
West Indies head coach Daren Sammy said the New Zealand series forms an important part of the team's preparations for the 2027 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, adding that every ODI from this point onwards is being treated with maximum importance.
"Every series we play from here on leading up to the 50 Over World Cup, we view them as must-win scenarios. The matches against New Zealand provide the best opportunity for us to continue our improvement as an ODI unit while winning more matches for the people of the Caribbean," he said.
Sammy also explained that Lawes' selection fits into the team's long-term planning as they continue to identify players who can strengthen the ODI side in different conditions.
"The inclusion of Vitel Lawes is strategic as we continue our long-term vision of exposing players who can complement the team in conditions that best suit their skill sets," he added.
West Indies squad for the first three ODIs vs New Zealand
Shai Hope (captain & wicketkeeper), Ackeem Auguste, John Campbell, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Justin Greaves, Amir Jangoo, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Vitel Lawes, Gudakesh Motie, Keemo Paul, Sherfane Rutherford, Jayden Seales.
