Cricket West Indies has announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match series against Sri Lanka at Sabina Park in Jamaica. While the immediate focus will be on securing another home series victory, the bigger picture revolves around the 2027 ICC Men's ODI World Cup.
The Men in Maroon are currently ranked 10th in the ODI rankings and find themselves in a battle for automatic qualification for the next World Cup. With only the top eight teams, along with hosts South Africa and Zimbabwe, guaranteed direct entry into the tournament, every ODI series from this point carries added importance.
West Indies Squad for Sri Lanka Series Announced
Shai Hope will continue to lead the side as West Indies look to extend their unbeaten home ODI series streak to five. Their last home ODI series victory came against Pakistan in August last year, and the team will be eager to maintain that momentum against a strong Sri Lankan team.
The squad sees the return of several key players. Fast bowler Alzarri Joseph is back after spending nearly a year on the sidelines due to a back injury. The pacer has not played international cricket since July 2025 and is expected to strengthen the bowling attack significantly. Left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie has also returned after missing the New Zealand tour last November.
The biggest talking point, however, is the return of Shimron Hetmyer. The left-hander last featured in ODI cricket against England in June last year and subsequently missed series against Pakistan, Bangladesh and New Zealand. Cricket West Indies has now brought him back into the setup as part of its plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup, with Hetmyer set to join the squad ahead of the third and final ODI.
His return comes on the back of a successful ICC Men's T20 World Cup campaign, where he scored 248 runs at an average of 41.33 and a strike rate of 186.46. Although he endured a difficult IPL 2026 season with Rajasthan Royals, the selectors clearly believe he can play a major role in their long-term ODI plans.
West Indies will also welcome back Shamar Joseph to the ODI setup. Meanwhile, Alick Athanaze, Johann Layne, Khary Pierre and Romario Shepherd are among the players who have missed out on selection.
Sri Lanka are a disciplined and skilful ODI unit - Daren Sammy
West Indies head coach Daren Sammy acknowledged the challenge posed by Sri Lanka but made it clear that his side wants to continue building a strong identity in ODI cricket.
"Sri Lanka are a disciplined and skilful ODI unit, especially in conditions that demand patience and smart cricket. For us, this series is about setting the standard, intensity in the field, clarity with the bat, and consistency with the ball. We want to play fearless but intelligent cricket and continue building the identity we believe West Indies cricket should represent."
Sammy further stressed that the team's success should come from collective contributions rather than individual performances.
"In our desire to make home a fortress in ODI cricket, I want the team to win moments consistently rather than relying on individual brilliance which we have stressed for the last 18 months."
West Indies Squad for Sri Lanka ODI Series
West Indies ODI squad: Shai Hope (captain, wicketkeeper), Ackeem Auguste, John Campbell, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Justin Greaves, Shimron Hetmyer, Amir Jangoo, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Sherfane Rutherford, Jayden Seales and Shamar Springer.
The three-match ODI series will be played entirely at Sabina Park in Jamaica, with the first ODI scheduled for June 3, followed by the second match on June 6 and the final ODI on June 8 as they begin an important stretch in their preparations for the 2027 ICC Men's ODI World Cup.
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