Uncapped Lawes could break through without domestic experience
Vitel Lawes, a 19-year-old left-arm wristspinner, has been called into the West Indies squad for the first 3 ODIs vs New Zealand in Guyana — despite never playing professional cricket.
No pro experience Lawes hasn’t played any first-class, List A, or T20 cricket. If he gets a cap, it would be his List A debut. He impressed at the last Under-19 World Cup with 10 wickets at 22.70. He’s also been training with the senior WI squad since a pre-season camp. West Indies are picking potential over experience. Going straight from U19s and training into international ODIs is a huge jump, but shows they rate his wristspin highly.
Nikita Miller, the former West Indies left-arm spinner who has worked closely with Lawes, has been added to the support staff for the start of the New Zealand to aid Lawes' introduction to the squad. Lawes could make a rare leap straight to international cricket. A debut vs NZ would mark his first game at any senior domestic or professional level.
"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," head coach Daren Sammy said.
Shimron Hetmyer will miss the start of the series having been given approval to continue his stint in MLC with Seattle Orcas
Allrounder Shamar Springer withdrew from the series following the death of his mother and has been replaced by Keemo Paul. "Cricket West Indies extends its deepest condolences to Springer and his family during this difficult time," a statement said.
World Cup mindset
Shai Hope (capt, wk), 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
West Indies head coach Daren Sammy said every series from now until the 50-over World Cup is a "must-win". The focus is on improving as an ODI unit and winning for Caribbean fans.
