Andrew replaces Hetmyer for upcoming ODI series

ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC):

EXCITING TEENAGE prospect Jewel Andrew has been named in a West Indies’ 15-man squad to tour Ireland and England for two three-match One-Day International (ODI) series later this month, while Shimron Hetmyer has been dropped.

The inclusion of the 18-year-old Andrew is the lone change to the West Indies squad that hosted Bangladesh in three ODIs in December last year.

Andrew will replace Hetymer, who was initially named in that squad to face Bangladesh, but withdrew because of illness and was replaced by Alick Athanaze.

The squad, which was announced yesterday by Cricket West Indies (CWI), has the nucleus of players who were successful during home series wins against England and Bangladesh to end 2024.

West Indies head coach Daren Sammy said the upcoming ODI series, their first of the year, provides an opportunity to focus on building the team ahead of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in 2027.

“These matches form a critical component towards the 2027 World Cup, and there are signs of the team building consistency following the series sweep against Bangladesh and the win over England late last year,” Sammy said.

“We expect the conditions to be challenging, but we are creating a culture and mindset which emphasise playing the brand of cricket that is taking us closer to some of our overall objectives.”

Meanwhile, CWI also announced some changes to the coaching staff for the tour.

Former West Indies fast bowler and 2012 World Cup champion Ravi Rampaul will be the team’s bowling coach, replacing James Franklin, while the team will also utilise the services of former Ireland all-rounder Kevin O’Brien as part of the coaching staff during the Ireland leg of the tour.

SQUAD

WEST INDIES: Shai Hope (captain), Jewel Andrew, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase. Matthew Forde, Justin Greaves, Amir Jangoo, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Sherfane Rutherford, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd.