West Indies Name Uncapped Spinner Vitel Lawes

For the first three matches of the five-game ODI series against New Zealand, Cricket West Indies’ 15-man squad will feature 19-year-old wrist spinner Vitel Lawes. The teenager might make his debut for his country without ever playing in a professional cricket match.

The teenage leggie, whose reputation has only grown through age-group cricket, won his first senior call-up following an exceptional ICC Under-19 World Cup campaign earlier this year.

He was chosen for the Team of the Tournament because to his talent and control after capturing ten wickets and delivering the most dot balls in the competition.

Lawes has been training with the West Indies senior team since the preparatory camp before the most recent home series against Sri Lanka. In order to continue providing specialised support during his transition,

Nikita Miller, a spin bowling assistant coach, has been specifically assigned to the squad management unit for the Guyana leg of the series. The head coach, Daren Sammy, made it clear that the decision was a long-term strategy.

Daren Sammy is determined to win the 2027 World Cup.

The head coach also described the series as an important stage in the Caribbean team’s preparation for the 2027 ICC 50-over World Cup.

“Every series we play in the lead-up to the 50 Over World Cup is something we have to win. Sammy added, “The matches against New Zealand offer the best opportunity for us to continue improving as an ODI unit while winning more matches for the people of the Caribbean.”

Shimron Hetmyer has been granted a No Objection Certificate to fulfil his Major League Cricket responsibilities, but he is not part of the squad. Shamar Springer withdrew following the death of his mother, and Keemo Paul was chosen to succeed him.

When does the West Indies vs. New Zealand ODI series begin?

The team meets in Guyana on Wednesday, July 8. The first ODI is scheduled for Saturday, July 11 at the Guyana National Stadium in Providence, followed by the second on Monday, July 13, and the third on Thursday, July 16, prior to the series’ trip to Barbados.

The West Indies squad for the first three ODIs against New Zealand

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, and Shai Hope (capt, wk)