West Indies name 15-man ODI squad vs Sri Lanka; Hetmyer, Alzarri Joseph return
Synopsis
West Indies have reintegrated Shimron Hetmyer into their ODI setup and recalled an injury-recovered Alzarri Joseph for the Sri Lanka series — a deliberate squad reset with the 2027 World Cup qualification race already underway. With a five-series home unbeaten streak on the line and Daren Sammy demanding collective consistency over individual brilliance, the Sabina Park fixtures carry more weight than a routine bilateral.
Key Takeaways
Cricket West Indies named a 15-member ODI squad on 1 June for the three-match series against Sri Lanka .
Shimron Hetmyer is reintegrated into the ODI setup and will join the squad ahead of the third ODI .
Alzarri Joseph returns after being sidelined since July 2025 with a back injury; Gudakesh Motie also recalled.
The series at Sabina Park, Jamaica runs from 3 to 8 June and forms part of West Indies' 2027 ICC ODI World Cup qualification campaign.
West Indies aim to extend their home ODI series unbeaten run to five consecutive victories under captain Shai Hope .
Cricket West Indies (CWI) on 1 June named a 15-member squad for the three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka, with the headline news being the reintegration of left-handed batter Shimron Hetmyer into the 50-over setup. The move is part of CWI's deliberate build-up towards automatic qualification for the 2027 ICC Men's ODI World Cup.
Key Returnees in the Squad
Fast bowler Alzarri Joseph earns a recall after being sidelined since July 2025 with a back injury, making him in line for his first international appearance since Australia's tour last year. Spinner Gudakesh Motie also returns to the fold after missing the away series in New Zealand in November. Hetmyer, notably, will link up with the squad ahead of the third and final ODI rather than from the outset.
The Series and Its Stakes
The three ODIs are scheduled on 3, 6, and 8 June at Sabina Park, Jamaica — the opening leg of a broader tour that also features three T20Is in Jamaica and two Tests in Antigua. For West Indies, the series marks the start of a critical phase in their campaign for direct qualification to the 2027 World Cup. Under captain Shai Hope, the hosts will be chasing a fifth consecutive home ODI series win, their last coming against Pakistan in August 2024.
What the Head Coach Said
Head Coach Daren Sammy underlined the dual ambition of winning and identity-building ahead of the series. 'Sri Lanka are a disciplined and skilful ODI unit, especially in conditions that demand patience and smart cricket. 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,' he said.
Sammy added, '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.'
Full Squad
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.
What to Watch
With World Cup qualification points in play and a home fortress record to protect, West Indies will be under pressure to perform consistently rather than in flashes. Alzarri Joseph's fitness and Hetmyer's form upon arrival will be closely monitored as CWI looks to settle its best 50-over combination ahead of the global event next year.
Point of View
Which is the right instinct but also carries risk if domestic form is being overlooked for name recognition. Alzarri Joseph's return is the more consequential call: a fit and firing Joseph changes West Indies' pace attack meaningfully, but his back has been fragile, and Sabina Park's workload will be watched closely. Sammy's insistence on 'winning moments consistently rather than relying on individual brilliance' is a pointed message in a squad that has historically peaked on individual genius. Whether the collective system he has built over 18 months is durable enough to handle a disciplined Sri Lanka side will be the real test of this series.
NationPress
5 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has been named in the West Indies ODI squad for the Sri Lanka series?
Cricket West Indies named a 15-member squad led by Shai Hope for the three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka from 3 to 8 June at Sabina Park, Jamaica. The squad includes returning players Shimron Hetmyer, Alzarri Joseph, and Gudakesh Motie.
Why is Shimron Hetmyer's return significant?
Hetmyer's return signals CWI's strategic focus on building a settled 50-over squad for the 2027 ICC Men's ODI World Cup qualification campaign. He had been outside the ODI setup and will join the squad ahead of the third and final match of the series.
Why was Alzarri Joseph absent from the West Indies squad?
Alzarri Joseph had been sidelined since July 2025 due to a back injury. His selection for the Sri Lanka series marks his return to international cricket, with his first appearance expected to come in these ODIs.
What is at stake for West Indies in this series?
West Indies are chasing a fifth consecutive home ODI series victory and are also accumulating points towards automatic qualification for the 2027 ICC Men's ODI World Cup. The series at Sabina Park opens a crucial phase in that campaign.
What else is scheduled during Sri Lanka's tour of the West Indies?
Following the three ODIs on 3, 6, and 8 June, the two sides will play three T20 Internationals also in Jamaica, followed by two Test matches in Antigua.
