Shimron Hetmyer has been called back up by West Indies for their upcoming home ODI series against India. Hetmyer hasn’t played for the Windies in almost a year, but he was called up following a strong campaign for the Rajasthan Royals during the Indian Premier League (IPL), where Hetmyer scored 299 runs in 13 games for RR.
Since a T20I match versus New Zealand in August of last year, the West Indies batsman has not played a single game. After missing a flight out of the Caribbean, he was later cut from his team’s T20 World Cup campaign.
The left-hander’s previous appearance during a 50-over match was versus Australia around July 2021. He hasn’t played a one-day international for the national side in two years. Along with Jayden Seales, Yannic Cariah, and Gudakesh Motie, who have all returned from injury, the hosts announced a 15-player roster on Monday. Oshane Thomas has also been called up.
Shimron’s style of batting will offer a lot: Desmond Haynes
Desmond Haynes, the head selector and a legend of the West Indies, voiced faith in Hetmyer and Oshane’s abilities. He said, “We welcome Oshane and Shimron back into the group. Both have played at the international level before, with some success, and we believe they will fit well into the set-up.”
He spoke about their additions and what they add to the recently declining West Indies squad. He added, “Oshane brings pace and is a potential wicket-taker with the new ball. Shimron’s style of batting will offer a lot especially in the middle stage of the innings and he is also a potential ‘finisher’.”
Shai Hope, the wicketkeeper-batsman, will again captain the team for the three games as experienced players Nicholas Pooran, as well as Jason Holder, are ruled out of the series.
The series is crucial for India as it prepares for the ODI World Cup 2023 later this year. The first ODI between West Indies and India is set for Thursday in Barbados. However, West Indies missed out on the 50-over spectacular for the first time ever.
Fans react to Shimron Hetmeyer getting recalled to ODI squad for series against India:
Shimron Hetmyer is back with the West Indies squad.
He's selected for the ODIs against India…!! pic.twitter.com/VvUWAbW2hG
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) July 25, 2023
Really wanted to him to play for Windies again. Happy for him. ??
— DK (@CricCrazyDK) July 25, 2023
I know they will drop after the series as last time
— AISH (@aishvarybadwaik) July 25, 2023
Hope he won't miss the plane this time.
— Kushal Arts ?? (@artkushal09) July 25, 2023
I am Hoping Wi Will just Give Atleast 50 Percent Compitition Not like Dead Rubber 0ne sided Odis.?
— A.Ashwal (@Ashwal7A) July 25, 2023
What’s the use now ?
Didn’t included him in the Qualifiers ?
— Devanshu (@Imdevanshujani) July 25, 2023
What is the use to select him now after disqualified from WC2023
— Akhil Babu (@Akhil_penumaka) July 25, 2023
hetmyer against ind in odi
sr of 121 avg of 45.5
2 hundreads and 1 fifty
ready for it— Sairus (@bojackchan_4) July 25, 2023
Ab kuch maza aega series mein, test match to ikdm boring ho gaya tha, ab km se km kuch takkar to denge ye WI vle hmari team ko ODI mein
— Dilshad Ahmed (@im_dilshad95) July 25, 2023
Now they realise what hetmyer capable off
— Hrithik Raina (@HrirhikRaina) July 25, 2023
Kuch toh sahi decision liya
— Shankar bag (@Shankarbag20) July 25, 2023
