West Indies Name ODI Squad For New Zealand, Uncapped Teenager Vitel Lawes Included

Cricket West Indies have named their squad for the first three matches of a five game ODI series against New Zealand, and the standout selection is a 19 year old who hasn't played a single professional match of any kind yet. Shai Hope continues as captain, but it's left arm wrist spinner Vitel Lawes who's grabbing the headlines with his maiden call up.

A Genuinely Rare Selection

What makes Lawes' inclusion so unusual is that he hasn't played first class, List A or T20 cricket at senior domestic level at all. If he takes the field against New Zealand, it won't just be his international debut, it will be his first ever List A appearance too, skipping several normal steps of the pathway entirely.

He has been training with the senior West Indies squad since their pre-season camp, which is presumably how he caught the selectors' eye. Head coach Daren Sammy framed the pick as part of a longer term plan, saying the team wants to expose players who suit conditions that play to their specific strengths, and that every match from here through to the next 50 over World Cup is being treated as a must win opportunity to keep building this ODI side.

Other Squad Changes

Fast bowler Jayden Seales returns after recovering from injury, and the pace attack also includes Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph and Matthew Forde. Shimron Hetmyer will miss the opening phase of the series, having been given permission by Cricket West Indies to fulfil his Major League Cricket commitments with Seattle Orcas first.

There's a difficult story behind one of the squad's changes too. All rounder Shamar Springer withdrew from selection following the passing of his mother, and Keemo Paul has been brought in as his replacement.

Full Squad For The First Three ODIs

Shai Hope (captain, wicketkeeper), 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.

Series Schedule

All five matches are day night affairs starting at 12:00 AM IST. The first three matches are being played at Providence in Guyana, before the series shifts to Bridgetown in Barbados for the final two games.

With the World Cup being treated as the long term target, this series looks like an early test of exactly how far West Indies are willing to go to fast track new talent, and Vitel Lawes' name is the one every fan will be watching most closely once the action gets underway on July 12.

Also read- England Crush India by 125 Runs at Trent Bridge

FAQs

FAQ 1: Who is Vitel Lawes?

Answer: Vitel Lawes is a 19-year-old left-arm wrist spinner who has earned his maiden West Indies ODI call-up for the series against New Zealand. He has not yet played first-class, List A, or senior T20 cricket, making his selection highly unusual.

FAQ 2: Why is Vitel Lawes' selection for the West Indies ODI squad special?

Answer: Lawes' selection is unique because he has been picked for the national ODI squad without playing any senior domestic professional cricket. If he debuts against New Zealand, it will also be his first-ever List A match.

FAQ 3: Who is captaining the West Indies ODI team against New Zealand?

Answer: Shai Hope will captain the West Indies ODI team in the first three matches of the five-match ODI series against New Zealand while also serving as the team's wicketkeeper.

FAQ 4: When does the West Indies vs New Zealand ODI series begin?

Answer: The five-match ODI series begins on July 12, with the opening three matches scheduled in Providence, Guyana, before the final two games move to Bridgetown, Barbados.