Hetmyer, Thomas back in West Indies squad for ODI series against India
St. John’s. Hosts West Indies have recalled flamboyant batsman Shimron Hetmyer and fast bowler Oshane Thomas for the three-match ODI series against India starting in Barbados on Thursday. According to a Cricket West Indies press release, former captain Nicholas Pooran and all-rounder Jason Holder are unavailable for selection, while injured all-rounder Keemo Paul has also not been selected. Fast bowler Jaden Seales and leg-spinner Yannick Kariya have completed rehabilitation after surgery and have returned to the 15-man squad. Left-arm spinner Gudakesh Moti has also been included in the squad after recovering from injury.
Hetmyer, who specializes in hitting big shots, is returning to the Caribbean team in any format after almost a year. His last ODI was against Australia in July 2021. Despite making himself available for selection, he was not named in the squad for the World Cup qualifiers. Thomas played his last match for the West Indies in December 2021. Chief selector Desmond Haynes said: “We welcome Oshane and Shimron back to the squad. Both have played internationally with some success in the past. We are confident that he will fit in well in this team.
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O’Shane has the ability to take wickets with the new ball while Shimron’s batting style will help the team in the middle overs, he said. He can play the role of a ‘finisher’ as well.” West Indies will play the 50-over format for the first time after a disappointing performance in the ODI World Cup qualifiers in May this year. West Indies had failed to secure a ticket to the World Cup to be played in India in the qualifiers. All three ODIs of the series will be played on 27, 29 July and 1 August. West Indies squad: Shai Hope (Captain), Rovman Powell (Vice-Captain), Alick Athanaj, Yannick Kariya, Keayse Carty, Dominic Drakes, Shimron Hetmyer, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Kyle Mayers, Gudakesh Moti, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd, Kevin Sinclair, Oshane Thomas.
