Monday , December 23 2024

Shimron Hetmyer included in West Indies team for ODI series against England

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Antigua, October 30 (HS). Shimron Hetmyer has been recalled to the West Indies ODI squad for the three-match series against England, which begins in Antigua on Thursday. Hetmyer has been included in the squad in place of Alec Athanazye, the only change from the group that returned from the Sri Lanka tour.

Hetmyer last played an ODI in December 2023, when he was part of the team that defeated England 2-1. He missed the Sri Lanka tour due to personal reasons, having finished fifth in the run-scorers' list in the recent CPL.

Athanazé was one of the current opening batsmen, but lost his place to Evin Lewis for the third ODI against Sri Lanka in Pallekele. Lewis, playing his first ODI in more than three years, scored an unbeaten 102 off 61 balls as West Indies finished the series with a consolation win over Sri Lanka.

Shai Hope will captain the group, which also includes 17-year-old batsman Jewel Andrew, who made her debut at the end of the Sri Lanka series.

England have already reached the Caribbean for their third limited-overs tour since 2022. They will be led by Liam Livingstone during the ODI phase, while Jos Buttler continues his rehabilitation following a calf injury that has kept him out since July.

West Indies head coach Darren Sammy said, “Playing against England always provides a new challenge and rekindles a rivalry that the players and the people of the Caribbean are eagerly awaiting. We always find a way to improve our game when facing England. This rivalry is decades old, and after defeating them at home last year for the first time in a long time in an ODI series, we are again set to face the challenge of a strong England team. Playing at home is always special, with the local support bringing energy and passion to every match. “With our sights set on qualifying for the ICC Men’s World Cup in 2027, we have selected a balanced squad that will undoubtedly compete with one of the best teams in the world.”

The Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua will host the first two ODIs, with the third match of the series being played in Barbados. After this, five T20 matches will be played, which will be played at Kensington Oval and Daren Sammy National Stadium in St. Lucia.

West Indies ODI team is as follows:

Shai Hope (captain), Jewel Andrew, Casey Carty, Roston Chase, Matthew Ford, Shimron Hetmyer, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Moti, Sherfane Rutherford, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd, Hayden Walsh Jr.