Vitel Lawes earns maiden call-up to West Indies ODI squad

West Indies have given teenage left-arm wrist spinner Vitel Lawes his first senior call-up after naming a 15-member squad for the opening three ODIs of the five-match home series against New Zealand, to be played across Guyana and Barbados.

The 19-year-old, who has been training with the senior side since the preparatory camp ahead of the ongoing home season, was one of the standout performers at this year's ICC Under-19 World Cup, finishing with 10 wickets and bowling the most dot balls in the tournament.

To aid his transition into international cricket, spin-bowling coach Nikita Miller has been added to the team management for the Guyana leg of the series, where he will continue to work closely with the youngster.

The squad otherwise retains the core that featured in the recent ODI series against Sri Lanka in Jamaica, with a couple of enforced changes. Shimron Hetmyer is unavailable after being granted a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to fulfil his Major League Cricket commitments, while all-rounder Shamar Springer withdrew from selection following the passing of his mother. Keemo Paul, who was recently drafted into the Test squad as cover, replaces Springer in the ODI outfit.

Head coach Daren Sammy said the New Zealand series formed an important part of West Indies' build-up to the 2027 ODI World Cup. "Every series we play from here on leading up to the 50 Over World Cup, we view them as must-win scenarios. The matches against New Zealand provide the best opportunity for us to continue our improvement as an ODI unit while winning more matches for the people of the Caribbean," Sammy said.

On Lawes' inclusion, Sammy added: "The inclusion of Vitel Lawes is strategic as we continue our long-term vision of exposing players who can complement the team in conditions that best suit their skill sets."

The squad will assemble in Guyana on July 8 after the conclusion of the Test series against Sri Lanka in Antigua. Squad changes, if any, for the final two games of the series will be communicated later.

West Indies ODI squad for Guyana Leg: Shai Hope (c), Ackeem Auguste, John Campbell, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Justin Greaves, Amir Jangoo, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Vitel Lawes, Gudakesh Motie, Keemo Paul, Sherfane Rutherford, Jayden Seales