ST JOHN’S, Antigua – Hard-hitting batsman Shimron Hetmyer will make a return to the West Indies’ One Day International team after almost a year, having been included in the squad to face England at home.
The 27-year-old was the only change announced by Cricket West Indies in a 15-member squad that toured Sri Lanka, to face England in three ODIs beginning Thursday in Antigua.
Hetmyer, who last played an ODI for the West Indies in December 2023 against the same opponents, replaces opener Alick Athanaze.
West Indies’ white ball head coach Daren Sammy said he was eagerly looking forward to the upcoming series against their archrivals.
He said he expected the regional side to give a good showing of themselves playing at home.
“Playing against England always provides a new challenge and reignites a rivalry that the players and the people of the Caribbean are eager for. Somehow, we West Indies always find a way to raise our game when we face England,” Sammy said.
“This rivalry goes back for decades, and after defeating them last year at home for the first time in a long time in an ODI series, we’re ready to face the challenge of a strong England squad again.
“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 no doubt push and compete with one of the best teams in the world,” he added.
SQUAD
WEST INDIES: Rovman Powell (captain), Roston Chase (vice-captain), Fabian Allen, Shimron Hetmyer, Andre Fletcher, Terrance Hinds, Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, Shamar Springer.
MANAGEMENT: Daren Sammy (head coach), Rawl Lewis (manager), Rayon Griffith (assistant coach), Floyd Reifer (assistant coach), James Franklin (assistant coach), Denis Byam (physiotherapist), Ronald Rogers (strength and conditioning coach), Dane Currency (masseuse), Avenesh Seetaram (team analyst), Jerome Foster (media and content officer). (CMC)
