Vitel Lawes, the 19‑year‑old left‑arm wrist‑spinner who has yet to play a professional cricket match, has been named in the West Indies squad for the first three ODIs against New Zealand in Guyana.
If Lawes, who impressed at the Under‑19 World Cup with 10 wickets at an average of 22.70, earns a cap during the series, it will mark his List A debut; he has not yet appeared in first‑class, one‑day or Twenty20 cricket. He has been training with the senior West Indies side since a camp ahead of the home season.
Former West Indies left‑arm spinner Nikita Miller, who has worked closely with Lawes, has been added to the support staff for the start of the New Zealand tour to aid the youngster’s introduction to the squad.
“The inclusion of Vitel Lawes is strategic as we continue our long‑term vision of exposing players who can complement the team in conditions that best suit their skill sets,” head coach Daren Sammy said.
Shimron Hetmyer will miss the opening matches after receiving approval to continue his stint with the Seattle Orcas in Major League Cricket. All‑rounder Shamar Springer withdrew from selection following the death of his mother and has been replaced by Keemo Paul. Cricket West Indies extended its deepest condolences to Springer and his family during this difficult time.
The West Indies lost their most recent ODI series 1‑0 to Sri Lanka, with the second and third matches abandoned without a ball bowled in Jamaica.
“Every series we play from now on, leading up to the 50‑over World Cup, we view as a must‑win situation,” Sammy said. “The matches against New Zealand give us the best opportunity to continue improving as an ODI unit while securing more victories for the people of the Caribbean.”
The series against New Zealand begins on July 11, with further matches in Guyana on July 13 and 16, before the final two games are held in Barbados on July 19 and 21.
West Indies squad for the first three ODIs versus New Zealand
Shai Hope (capt), Ackeem Auguste, John Campbell, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Justin Greaves, Amir Jangoo, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Vitel Lawes, Gudakesh Motie, Keemo Paul, Sherfane Rutherford, Jayden Seales
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