West Indies Hand 19-Year-Old Vitel Lawes Maiden ODI Squad Spot Against New Zealand- IPL

West Indies have included 19-year-old left-arm wrist-spinner Vitel Lawes in their squad for the first three One-Day Internationals against New Zealand in Guyana. It is the youngster’s first international call-up, even though he is yet to play a professional match. Lawes impressed at the recent Under-19 World Cup, where he picked up 10 wickets at an average of 22.70.

If selected in the playing XI, Lawes will make his List A debut before featuring in any first-class or T20 match. Despite his lack of professional experience, he has been training with the senior West Indies squad during a preparation camp ahead of the home season. The selectors believe he has the talent to succeed at the highest level.

To help the young spinner settle into the team, former West Indies left-arm spinner Nikita Miller has joined the coaching staff for the opening phase of the New Zealand series. Miller will work closely with Lawes and help him adjust to the demands of international cricket.

West Indies head coach Daren Sammy said Lawes’ selection is part of the team’s long-term plans. “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,” Sammy said. The team management believes giving young players early exposure will strengthen the squad for the future.

Shimron Hetmyer to Miss Start of New Zealand ODI Series

West Indies will also be without Shimron Hetmyer for the start of the ODI series. The left-handed batter has been allowed to continue playing for the Seattle Orcas in Major League Cricket before joining the national team. Meanwhile, all-rounder Shamar Springer has withdrawn from the squad following the death of his mother, with Keemo Paul named as his replacement.

Cricket West Indies expressed its support for Springer during this difficult time. “Cricket West Indies extends its deepest condolences to Springer and his family during this difficult time,” the board said in an official statement. The team will now hope to put together a strong performance despite the changes in the squad.

The Caribbean side enter the series after a 1-0 ODI series defeat against Sri Lanka. The second and third matches of that series were abandoned in Jamaica due to bad weather. Sammy stressed that every ODI is important as West Indies prepare for the 2027 ODI World Cup. “Every series we play from here on leading up to the 50-over World Cup, we view them as must-win scenarios,” he said. He added that the New Zealand series is another opportunity for the team to improve and win matches for the Caribbean fans.

The five-match ODI series begins on July 11 in Guyana, with the next two matches scheduled for July 13 and 16 before the final two games move to Barbados on July 19 and 21. New Zealand will miss several regular players after their Test tour of England but will welcome back white-ball captain Mitchell Santner along with Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell and Jacob Duffy.

West Indies squad for the first three ODIs against New Zealand

Shai Hope (c/wk), 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.

New Zealand Tour of West Indies 2026 – ODI Schedule