West Indies name strong squad for home Sri Lanka ODI series
Shai Hope leads a 15-member West Indies squad with automatic qualification for the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in sight.
West Indies have named a 15-member squad for the upcoming ODI series against Sri Lanka, with all three matches set to be played at Sabina Park in Jamaica from June 3 to June 8.
Captain Shai Hope will once again lead the side, with the squad boosted by the return of several important names.
Squad: Shai Hope (c), 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, Shamar Springer
Fast bowler Alzarri Joseph is back in the ODI setup for the first time since Australia’s visit to the Caribbean last year after recovering from a back injury that had sidelined him since July 2025. Spinner Gudakesh Motie also returns after missing the New Zealand tour in November.
Fellow quicks Shamar Joseph and Jayden Seales are also in the squad, with the West Indies previously confirming that the trio’s workloads will be carefully managed.
Another notable inclusion is Shimron Hetmyer, who has been reintegrated into the ODI setup following an impressive ICC Men’s T20 World Cup campaign earlier this year.
Hetmyer scored 248 runs during the tournament at an average of 41.33 and a strike rate of 186.46. The left-hander last featured in ODIs against England in June last year and missed subsequent series against Pakistan, Bangladesh and New Zealand. He will join the squad ahead of the third ODI.
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From the squad that toured New Zealand towards the end of last year, Alick Athanaze, Johann Layne, Khary Pierre and Romario Shepherd have dropped out.
Head coach Daren Sammy believes the team’s recent home success can provide confidence against a disciplined Sri Lankan side.
“Sri Lanka are a disciplined and skilful ODI unit, especially in conditions that demand patience and smart cricket," he said.
"For us, this series is about setting the standard, intensity in the field, clarity with the bat, and consistency with the ball. We want to play fearless but intelligent cricket and continue building the identity we believe West Indies cricket should represent.”
Sammy also stressed the importance of collective performances as West Indies continue their efforts to make home conditions a fortress in ODI cricket.
“In our desire to make home a fortress in ODI cricket, I want the team to win moments consistently rather than relying on individual brilliance which we have stressed for the last 18 months.”
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The series marks the beginning of a crucial phase for the West Indies as they continue their push for automatic qualification to the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. Currently ranked 10th in the ODI rankings, West Indies remain outside the automatic qualification spots, with only the top eight teams, alongside hosts South Africa and Zimbabwe, earning direct entry through the rankings pathway.
Despite recent struggles away from home, including five defeats in their last six ODIs, the Team in Maroon have built strong momentum in Caribbean conditions. West Indies have won their last four ODI series at home dating back to 2023.
Series schedule:
First ODI – June 3, Sabina Park, Jamaica
Second ODI – June 6, Sabina Park, Jamaica
Third ODI – June 8, Sabina Park, Jamaica