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Cricket West Indies (CWI) has officially announced a powerhouse 15-member One Day International (ODI) squad for the upcoming high-stakes home series against Sri Lanka. Lighting up the selection headlines is the high-profile return of explosive left-hander Shimron Hetmyer and premier fast bowler Alzarri Joseph.
The three-match ODI series, which kicks off on Wednesday, June 3, will be played entirely at the historic Sabina Park in Kingston, Jamaica. For the Men in Maroon, this series marks the critical first step in a long-term strategic build-up aimed at securing automatic qualification for the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.
The strategic return of Shimron Hetmyer to the West Indies ODI squad
Hetmyer’s return to the 50-over format comes after a year-long absence, having last pulled on the ODI Maroons against England in June 2025. His spectacular redemption story was written during the recent 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Hetmyer weaponized his batting in the middle order, blasting 248 runs at a phenomenal average of 41.33 and an electric strike rate of 186.46.
CWI selectors have made it clear that his reintegration is highly tactical. With the 2027 World Cup looming in South Africa, Hetmyer’s ability to counter spin and anchor or accelerate an innings is viewed as essential for the subcontinental challenge Sri Lanka brings.
Equally crucial is the return of Joseph. The 29-year-old speedster is back in the ODI frame after successfully overcoming a gruelling back injury that sidelined him for nearly a year. Joseph proved his fitness and rhythm earlier this year in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) with the Quetta Gladiators, snapping up eight wickets across nine games. He is set to lead a potent, young pace attack alongside the fiery Shamar Joseph and the technically precise Jayden Seales.
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West Indies’ chasing automatic 2027 World Cup qualification
The stakes for this bilateral series could not be higher. The West Indies currently sit 10th in the official ICC ODI rankings. With only the top eight teams earning direct, automatic qualification for the 2027 World Cup, the Caribbean side desperately needs to accumulate ranking points to avoid the pressure of a global qualifier tournament.
Fortunately, the home turf is a fortress. The West Indies boast an exceptional home record in ODI cricket, remaining unbeaten in a home series since 2023. However, managing player workloads will be a tightrope act for skipper Shai Hope and the coaching staff. Following the Sri Lanka tour, the Windies face an intense home summer featuring consecutive visits from New Zealand and Pakistan.
The squad also features an exciting blend of reliable anchors like Roston Chase and emerging talent such as Shamar Springer and Ackeem Auguste, ensuring a balanced blueprint to tackle the Lankan lions.
West Indies ODI squad against Sri Lanka: Shai Hope (c/wk), 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.
