West Indies recall Shimron Hetmyer for New Zealand ODIs after Greaves injury
New Delhi, July 13
Shimron Hetmyer has been drafted into the West Indies squad for the second and third ODIs against New Zealand, replacing the injured Justin Greaves.
Greaves sustained a back injury that ruled him out of the opening ODI in Providence and has since returned to Barbados to continue his rehabilitation, Cricket West Indies confirmed in a statement.
Hetmyer, who last featured in an ODI in June 2025, was recalled for the three-match series against Sri Lanka earlier this year but did not make an appearance. He was initially omitted from the squad for the opening three ODIs against New Zealand to complete his Major League Cricket (MLC) commitments with the Seattle Orcas, as per ESPNcricinfo.
However, the Seattle Orcas finished fifth in the MLC league stage and failed to qualify for the playoffs, allowing Hetmyer to rejoin the West Indies squad. The left-hander scored 164 runs in 10 matches during the tournament, striking at 136.66.
Cricket West Indies added that Greaves will be reassessed ahead of the final two ODIs against New Zealand and the subsequent two-Test series against Pakistan.
The all-rounder is coming off a memorable Test series against Sri Lanka, where he scored a career-best 180 in the drawn second Test and was named Player of the Series after helping West Indies secure their first Test series victory since 2023.
Cricket West Indies has named a squad for the opening three ODIs of the series, with the squad for the remaining two matches set to be announced later this week.
West Indies took the lead in the series when they beat New Zealand by seven wickets in the opening ODI.
West Indies squad for first three ODIs vs New Zealand: Shai Hope (C/WK), Ackeem Auguste, John Campbell, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Shimron Hetmyer, Amir Jangoo, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Vitel Lawes, Gudakesh Motie, Keemo Paul, Sherfane Rutherford, Jayden Seales.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Great to see Hetmyer back! But I feel sorry for Justin Greaves – he had such a brilliant Test series against Sri Lanka. Hope he recovers quickly and can feature in the Pakistan Tests. The depth in Caribbean cricket is really impressive now. 🇧🇧
Honestly, West Indies cricket is on the rise. Winning the first ODI against NZ, and now with Hetmyer coming in, they look dangerous. But I worry about their bowling attack without a fit Greaves – Motie and Alzarri will have to step up.
Hetmyer's strike rate of 136 in MLC is impressive, but he needs to convert starts into big scores for the Windies. The team management should give him a clear role – either as a finisher or an anchor. Too much chopping and changing doesn't help.
Interesting that they announced only the first three ODIs' squad. With Greaves' injury, the balance of the team has shifted. Hetmyer is a like-for-like replacement in batting, but Greaves' bowling will be missed. Let's see how Shai Hope manages the XI.
Honestly, I think the Windies should have picked Hetmyer from the start. His experience in the middle order is crucial. NZ will be tough in the remaining ODIs – they’ll come back hard after that loss. But this squad has firepower. 🌴
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