Vitel Lawes earns maiden call-up to West Indies ODI squad

Vitel Lawes earns maiden call-up to West Indies ODI squad

West Indies have given teenage left-arm wrist spinner Vitel Lawes his first senior call-up after naming a 15-member squad for the opening three ODIs of the five-match home series against New Zealand, to be played across Guyana and Barbados.

The 19-year-old was one of the standout performers at this year's ICC Under-19 World Cup, finishing with 10 wickets and bowling the most dot balls in the tournament.

To aid his transition into international cricket, spin-bowling coach Nikita Miller has been added to the team management for the Guyana leg of the series.

The squad retains the core from the recent ODI series against Sri Lanka, with a couple of enforced changes. Shimron Hetmyer is unavailable after being granted a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to fulfil his Major League Cricket commitments, while all-rounder Shamar Springer withdrew after the passing of his mother. Keemo Paul replaces Springer.

Head coach Daren Sammy said the series forms an important part of West Indies' build-up to the 2027 ODI World Cup. "Every series we play from here on leading up to the 50 Over World Cup, we view them as must-win scenarios."

On Lawes' inclusion, Sammy added: "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."

The squad will assemble in Guyana on July 8 after the conclusion of the Test series against Sri Lanka.

West Indies ODI squad: Shai Hope (c), 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