Shimron Hetmyer replaces Alick Athanaze as West Indies name squad for WI vs ENG 2024 ODI series

Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced the squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against England, beginning on Thursday, October 31, in Antigua. The only change from the squad that toured Sri Lanka is Shimron Hetmyer replacing Alick Athanaze.

Hetmyer hasn't represented the West Indies in the 50-over format since December 2023 when he registered scores of 32, 0, and 12 in the three ODIs against England. With the Caribbeans' batting unit struggling a bit for consistency in Sri Lanka recently, the southpaw's presence will strengthen their middle order.

The West Indies lost both the ODI and the T20I series in Sri Lanka by 2-1 margins. However, their commanding eight-wicket victory in the third ODI saw Evin Lewis smack a century off only 61 deliveries. Rutherford was yet another silver lining as he scored three half-centuries in three ODIs with scores of 74*, 80, and 50*.

West Indies squad: Shai Hope (c), Jewel Andrew, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Shimron Hetmyer, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Sherfane Rutherford, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd, Hayden Walsh Jnr.

"We West Indies always find a way to raise our game when we face England" - Darren Sammy

Darren Sammy. (Image Credits: Getty)

West Indies head coach Darren Sammy recently said they are excited about the challenge that England will present and are looking forward to playing at home. Sammy addressed the squad selection, claiming to have kept in mind the 2027 World Cup. He said, as quoted by the official website:

"Playing against England always provides a new challenge and reignites a rivalry that the players and the people of the Caribbean are eager for. Somehow, we West Indies always find a way to raise our game when we face England. This rivalry goes back for decades, and after defeating them last year at home for the first time in a long time in an ODI series, we’re ready to face the challenge of a strong England squad again."

"It’s always special to play at home, where the local support brings energy and passion to every match. With our sights set on qualifying for the ICC Men’s World Cup in 2027, we’ve selected a balanced squad that will no doubt push and compete with one of the best teams in the world," he added.

The two sides will also play five T20Is after the ODI series.