Shimron Hetmyer’s name is inked once more on a West Indies 50-over squad list, the left-hander joining the group midway through the three-match series against Sri Lanka in Kingston. Selectors are thinking well beyond this week’s matches; October-November 2027 and the next World Cup are never far from their minds.
Hetmyer has not played an ODI since facing England last June. A combination of paternity leave, form dips and tactical tweaks kept him out of tours to Pakistan, Bangladesh and New Zealand. He will fly into Jamaica ahead of the third ODI on 8 June, hoping to convert his T20 form – 248 runs at a strike-rate of 186 in the recent World Cup – into the longer limited-overs format. His IPL stint with Rajasthan Royals, 78 runs in seven knocks, was less convincing, yet the talent remains obvious.
Explaining the decision, Cricket West Indies stated: “Following his impressive performances during the recent ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, Shimron Hetmyer has been reintegrated into the West Indies ODI setup as part of CWI’s strategic build-up towards the 50-Over World Cup in October and November next year.”
Fast bowler Alzarri Joseph, sidelined since last July with a troublesome back, is also back in harness. Medical staff will ease him through the three matches, mindful that fellow quicks Shamar Joseph and Jayden Seales are on similar graduated programmes. All three offer pace but, more importantly, fresh legs for a schedule that features ODIs, T20Is and then two Tests against the touring Sri Lankans.
Left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie, omitted from the New Zealand trip, returns too. His accuracy could be priceless on Sabina Park surfaces that have slowed in recent years. Those making way include Alick Athanaze, Johann Layne, Khary Pierre and Romario Shepherd.
Form guide gives both hope and warning. West Indies have won their last four home series, yet five defeats in their past six ODIs – the solitary win came via a Super Over against Bangladesh – leave them ten points adrift in the race for automatic World Cup qualification. Only the top eight teams, plus hosts South Africa and Zimbabwe, avoid the play-off route.
Head coach Daren Sammy is realistic: “Sri Lanka are a disciplined and skilful ODI unit, especially in conditions that demand patience and smart cricket,” he said. “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.”
Squad balance reflects those priorities. Captain-keeper Shai Hope again anchors the batting, backed by youngsters Keacy Carty and Ackeem Auguste, while Roston Chase offers off-spin and middle-order stability. Motie’s left-arm spin complements the dual-pace threat of the two Josephs and Seales. All-rounder Shamar Springer keeps his place after promising efforts in New Zealand.
Fixtures come thick and fast: ODIs on 3, 6 and 8 June, followed by three T20Is at the same venue before the tour shifts to Antigua for the Tests. It is a heavy workload, yet home advantage and returning firepower give West Indies a platform. Whether that platform becomes genuine World Cup momentum depends on performances during the next ten days.
West Indies ODI squad v Sri Lanka:
Shai Hope (capt, wk), 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, Shamar Springer
