Shimron Hetmyer called up for England ODIs

Shimron Hetmyer has been added to the West Indies squad for the three-match One-Day International series against England, starting on October 31 (Thursday). The 27-year-old replaces Alick Athanaze, the only change in the squad that lost a series in Sri Lanka 2-1.

Hetmyer, who has 1515 runs in 50 innings at an average of 32.23 and a strike rate of 104.55, last played a 50-over game for the West Indies in December 2023. The left-handed middle-order batter had missed the Sri Lanka tour for personal reasons.

Meanwhile, Athanaze opened the innings for the West Indies in the first two ODIs against Sri Lanka but could only manage scores of 10 and 1. He was dropped for the third ODI, and Evin Lewis was given an opportunity, and the 32-year-old responded with a 61-ball 102*.

17-year-old batter Jewel Andrew, who made his debut in the third ODI but didn’t get a chance to bat, has also been retained. The right-hander has only played four List A games and scored 165 runs at an average of 55. 

"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,” said head coach Daren Sammy.

"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."

The first two ODIs will be played in Antigua on October 31 and November 2, respectively, before the action shifts to Barbados for the final ODI on November 6. Both teams will then be involved in a five-match T20I series, starting on November 9.

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