Shimron Hetmyer recalled as Justin Greaves ruled out of next two WI-NZ ODIs
Synopsis
Justin Greaves' back injury has opened the door for Shimron Hetmyer's return — and the timing is significant. West Indies are already 1-0 up against New Zealand, Greaves' Pakistan Test availability is now in doubt, and Hetmyer's MLC form was modest at best. How the hosts manage these moving parts could define the rest of a busy Caribbean summer.
Key Takeaways
Justin Greaves has been ruled out of ODIs 2 and 3 against New Zealand with a back injury and has returned to Barbados for rehabilitation.
Shimron Hetmyer , 28 , has been recalled after the Seattle Orcas failed to qualify for the Major League Cricket playoffs.
Hetmyer scored 164 runs in 10 MLC matches at an average of 20.50 ; his last ODI appearance was in June 2025 .
Greaves' career-best 180 in the second Test against Sri Lanka helped West Indies win their first Test series since 2023 .
West Indies lead the five-match ODI series 1-0 after a seven-wicket win in the opener at Providence .
CWI will announce the squad for the final two ODIs after reassessing Greaves' fitness later this week.
Shimron Hetmyer has been drafted back into the West Indies squad for the ongoing five-match ODI series against New Zealand, after all-rounder Justin Greaves was ruled out of the second and third fixtures with a back injury. Cricket West Indies (CWI) confirmed the development on 13 July, with the series being played in Providence, Guyana.
Greaves Injury and Rehabilitation
Justin Greaves, 31, has returned to Barbados to continue his rehabilitation after the back complaint also kept him out of the series opener. CWI confirmed he will undergo further assessment before any decision is taken on his availability for the final two ODIs and the subsequent two-Test series against Pakistan. The board added that the squad for the remaining two ODIs will be announced later this week once Greaves' fitness is reassessed.
His absence is a significant blow. Greaves had been in outstanding form, having posted a career-best 180 in the second Test against Sri Lanka — an innings that helped West Indies clinch a 1-0 series victory, their first Test series win since 2023. He was named Player of the Series for that performance.
Why Hetmyer Is Back
The left-handed batter had been unavailable for the first three fixtures of the New Zealand series, having been permitted to complete his campaign with the Seattle Orcas in Major League Cricket (MLC). However, the Orcas' failure to qualify for the playoffs freed up the 28-year-old earlier than anticipated, clearing the path for his return to the national setup.
Hetmyer featured in all 10 league matches for the Orcas, accumulating 164 runs at an average of 20.50 and a strike rate of 136.66, with one half-century to his name. His most recent ODI appearance came in June 2025; he was also recalled to the West Indies squad for the home series against Sri Lanka earlier this year but did not feature in the playing XI.
Series Context and What's Next
West Indies have made a positive start to the series, defeating New Zealand by seven wickets in the opening ODI to take a 1-0 lead. The first three matches are being staged at Providence Stadium before the series moves to Bridgetown for the final two fixtures.
With Hetmyer back in the mix, West Indies will look to consolidate their advantage in the second ODI. The squad, led by wicketkeeper-captain Shai Hope, also includes Ackeem Auguste, John Campbell, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Amir Jangoo, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Vitel Lawes, Gudakesh Motie, Keemo Paul, Sherfane Rutherford, and Jayden Seales. Greaves' long-term availability for the Pakistan Tests remains the bigger question to watch.
Point of View
And his inability to break into the playing XI against Sri Lanka earlier this year raises real questions about his current standing. The bigger concern is the Pakistan Test series: if Greaves does not recover in time, West Indies lose their most potent batting all-rounder for a format where they have historically struggled to build depth beyond the top order.
NationPress
13 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Shimron Hetmyer recalled to the West Indies squad?
Hetmyer was recalled because Justin Greaves was ruled out of the second and third ODIs against New Zealand with a back injury. Hetmyer became available after the Seattle Orcas failed to qualify for the Major League Cricket playoffs, ending his franchise commitments earlier than expected.
What is the extent of Justin Greaves' injury?
Greaves has been ruled out of at least the second and third ODIs against New Zealand with a back injury. He has returned to Barbados for rehabilitation, and Cricket West Indies will reassess his fitness before deciding on his availability for the final two ODIs and the two-Test series against Pakistan.
How has Shimron Hetmyer been performing recently?
Hetmyer played all 10 league matches for the Seattle Orcas in Major League Cricket, scoring 164 runs at an average of 20.50 and a strike rate of 136.66, with one half-century. His last ODI appearance for West Indies was in June 2025.
What is the current state of the West Indies vs New Zealand ODI series?
West Indies lead the five-match series 1-0 after defeating New Zealand by seven wickets in the opening ODI at Providence. The first three matches are in Providence, with the final two scheduled for Bridgetown.
Why is Justin Greaves considered a big loss for West Indies?
Greaves is one of West Indies' most in-form all-rounders. He recently scored a career-best 180 in the second Test against Sri Lanka, helping West Indies secure a 1-0 series win — their first Test series victory since 2023 — and was named Player of the Series.
