ST JOHN’S, Antigua – In a key step ahead of its 2027 ICC 50-over World Cup build-up, Cricket West Indies (CWI) has unveiled a 15-player squad for the first three matches of its upcoming five-match One-Day International (ODI) series against New Zealand, with matches set to be hosted across Guyana and Barbados.
Leading the new call-ups is 19-year-old wrist spinner Vitel Lawes, who earns his first ever selection to the senior men’s international squad. The young prodigy has already impressed selectors after spending weeks training with the senior side during the pre-series preparatory camp, and capped an outstanding start to 2026 with a spot on the ICC Under-19 World Cup Team of the Tournament. During that youth competition, Lawes delivered a standout performance, claiming 10 wickets and bowling more dot balls than any other competitor, cementing his reputation as one of Caribbean cricket’s most promising young prospects.
To support Lawes through his first senior international assignment, veteran spinner and current team coach Nikita Miller has been added to the team management group for the Guyana leg of the series, where he will provide ongoing specialized coaching to the teenager.
The squad announcement also brings a series of adjustments to the planned selection following off-field commitments and personal tragedy. Shimron Hetmyer has received pre-approved clearance via a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to take part in this season’s Major League Cricket competition in the United States, ruling him out of the opening leg of the New Zealand series. All-rounder Shamar Springer withdrew his name from selection entirely following the recent passing of his mother, with CWI issuing a formal statement of condolence to Springer and his entire family as they navigate this difficult period. Keemo Paul, who was only recently called up as reinforcement to the West Indies Test squad facing Sri Lanka, has been named as Springer’s replacement in the ODI squad.
Outside of these adjustments, the squad retains the core group of players that competed in West Indies’ recent ODI series against Sri Lanka, hosted in Jamaica earlier this season. For head coach Daren Sammy, the New Zealand series is a critical milestone in the team’s long-term preparations for the 2027 50-over World Cup, and every fixture between now and the tournament carries high stakes.
“Every series we play from here on leading up to the 50 Over World Cup, we view them as must-win scenarios,” Sammy explained in a statement following the squad announcement. “The matches against New Zealand provide the best opportunity for us to continue our improvement as an ODI unit while winning more matches for the people of the Caribbean.”
Sammy added that Lawes’ inclusion is part of a deliberate, long-term strategy to build depth ahead of the World Cup, by giving emerging talent opportunities at the senior level in conditions that match their individual skill sets. “The inclusion of Vitel Lawes is strategic as we continue our long-term vision of exposing players who can complement the team in conditions that best suit their skill sets,” he said.
The full squad is set to assemble in Guyana on July 8, immediately following the conclusion of the ongoing Test series against Sri Lanka in Antigua. The three opening ODIs will all take place at Guyana National Stadium in Providence, with the first fixture scheduled for July 11 at 2:30pm AST (1:30pm Jamaica time), the second on July 13 at the same time, and the third on July 16.
The full 15-member squad for the Guyana leg of the series is: Shai Hope (captain), 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, and Jayden Seales.