Shimron Hetmyer’s absence from the 50-over format has come to an end, with the left-hander headlining a distinct Guyanese flavour in the 15-member West Indies squad named for the upcoming three-match One-Day International series against Sri Lanka.
Hetmyer, who last featured in an ODI back in June 2025, has forced his way back into the selectoral frame following a productive outing at the recently concluded ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
However, he will only link up with the squad in Jamaica ahead of the third and final match.
The middle-order batter is joined by three of his countrymen—left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie, big-hitting Sherfane Rutherford, and fast-bowler Shamar Joseph—forming a hefty Guyanese bedrock for the home side as they kick off their home season at Sabina Park from June 3.
The series marks a critical juncture for the West Indies as they begin their quest for automatic qualification for the 2027 ICC Men’s ODI World Cup.
Under Shai Hope’s captaincy, the hosts will also look to defend an enviable record, aiming to extend their unbeaten home ODI series streak to five.
The squad is further bolstered by the return of premier fast bowler Alzarri Joseph, who steps back into international cricket after a lengthy layoff with a back injury sustained in July 2025. Motie also returns to the fold after missing the away assignment in New Zealand last November.
West Indies head coach Daren Sammy emphasised that the strategic integration of players like Hetmyer is part of the long-term vision for the 2027 World Cup, while laying out the immediate expectations for a disciplined Sri Lankan challenge.
“Sri Lanka is 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.”
The West Indies squad arrived in Kingston on Sunday following a 10-day preparatory camp at the Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua.
With the team management stressing collective accountability over isolated genius, Sammy reiterated the ethos he wants his team to project on the park.
“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.”
The three-match series will be played entirely at Sabina Park, with the opening fixture on June 3, followed by two day-night encounters on June 6 and June 8.
West Indies ODI Squad: Shai Hope (capt), 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.
Team Management: Daren Sammy (Head Coach), Rawl Lewis (Manager), Floyd Reifer (Assistant Coach – Batting), Ravi Rampaul (Assistant Coach – Bowling), Rayon Griffith (Assistant Coach – Fielding), Dr. Denis Byam (Physiotherapist), Darc Browne (Strength & Conditioning Coach), Harone Jackson (Message Therapist), Avenash Seetaram (Performance Analyst), Jerome Foster (Content & Media Officer).
Match Schedule:
- 1st ODI: June 3 – Sabina Park, Jamaica @ 9:30am in Jamaica/10:30am AST
- 2nd ODI: June 6 – Sabina Park, Jamaica @ 2:30pm in Jamaica/3:30pm AST
- 3rd ODI: June 8 – Sabina Park, Jamaica @ 2:30pm in Jamaica/3:30pm AST
The post Hetmyer recalled to ODI squad for Sri Lanka series; Motie, Rutherford and Joseph also included appeared first on News Room Guyana.
