Hetmyer Returns, Alzarri Joseph Also Included in West Indies ODI Squad for Sri Lanka Series

Shimron Hetmyer has been recalled to the West Indies ODI squad as part of the team’s preparations for next year’s ODI World Cup. The left-handed batter has been included in the squad for the upcoming ODI series against Sri Lanka, while fast bowler Alzarri Joseph also returns after recovering from injury.

Hetmyer last played an ODI against England in June last year. Since then, he missed West Indies’ last three ODI series against Pakistan, Bangladesh, and New Zealand. However, he is set to join the squad ahead of the final match of the Sri Lanka series, which begins on June 3.

The 29-year-old was in excellent form during this year’s T20 World Cup, scoring 248 runs at an average of 41.33 and a strike rate of 186.46. However, he struggled in IPL 2026, managing only 78 runs in seven innings for Rajasthan Royals.

In a statement, Cricket West Indies (CWI) said that Hetmyer had been reintegrated into the ODI setup following his impressive performances at the T20 World Cup. The move is part of the team’s long-term planning for the 2027 50-over World Cup.

Meanwhile, Alzarri Joseph is set to make his international return after recovering from a back injury. The fast bowler has not played international cricket since Australia’s tour of the Caribbean last year. Fellow pacer Shamar Joseph has also returned to the ODI squad, while the workloads of both Josephs and Jayden Seales will be carefully managed, according to CWI.

Left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie is another returnee, having missed last year’s tour of New Zealand. On the other hand, Alick Athanaze, Johann Layne, Khary Pierre, and Romario Shepherd have been left out of the squad after being part of the New Zealand tour.

West Indies have struggled in ODIs recently, losing five of their last six matches. Their only victory during that period came against Bangladesh in a Super Over. However, the Caribbean side has won its last four home ODI series dating back to 2023.

Currently ranked 10th in the ICC ODI rankings, West Indies are in the race for automatic qualification for the 2027 World Cup. Along with hosts South Africa and Zimbabwe, the top eight teams in the rankings will secure direct qualification for the tournament.

The three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka will be played in Jamaica on June 3, 6, and 8. The two teams will then contest a three-match T20I series at the same venue, followed by two Test matches in Antigua.

West Indies ODI Squad:

Shai Hope (captain and wicketkeeper), Ackeem Auguste, John Campbell, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Justin Greaves, Shimron Hetmyer, Amir Jangoo, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Sherfane Rutherford, Jayden Seales, and Shamar Springer.