Hetmyer and Motie Return as West Indies Announce ODI Squad For Sri Lanka Series

West Indies have unveiled a strengthened squad for the upcoming Sri Lanka ODI Series, handing timely recalls to several experienced names as they look to build momentum in front of home supporters.

The three-match contest begins on June 3 at Sabina Park in Jamaica and arrives at a significant stage of West Indies' journey toward qualification for the 2027 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup. With valuable ranking points on offer, selectors have leaned on proven performers while rewarding players who have impressed across formats.

Captain Shai Hope remains at the helm of the West Indies ODI Squad, which welcomes back fast bowler Alzarri Joseph after a lengthy spell on the sidelines. The pace spearhead has not featured in ODI cricket since Australia visited the Caribbean last year due to a back injury that ruled him out for several months.

His return gives the bowling attack added bite. Alongside him are Shamar Joseph and Jayden Seales, though team management has already indicated that workload management will remain a priority for the fast-bowling group.

Spinner Gudakesh Motie is another notable returnee. The left-arm spinner missed the New Zealand tour late last year but now rejoins a squad aiming to continue its strong record on home soil.

Shimron Hetmyer also finds himself back in the ODI setup following a standout ICC Men's T20 World Cup campaign. The left-hander piled up 248 runs during the tournament and reminded everyone why he remains one of the Caribbean's most dangerous batters in white-ball cricket.

Sammy Targets Home Dominance

Head coach Daren Sammy believes the upcoming challenge will provide an important measure of where his side stands.

Sri Lanka arrive as a disciplined outfit with a reputation for patience and tactical cricket. Sammy acknowledged that reality while stressing the importance of consistent execution across all departments.

Rather than depending on individual brilliance, the former captain wants his players to control key moments throughout matches. That message has been central to the team's development over the past 18 months.

The timing of the Sri Lanka ODI Series could hardly be more important. West Indies currently sit outside the automatic qualification places for the 2027 World Cup and need a strong run of results to climb the rankings.

Despite struggles away from home, their record in Caribbean conditions offers encouragement. The Men in Maroon have won each of their last four home ODI series since 2023, turning familiar venues into difficult hunting grounds for visiting teams.

That form will be tested once again when Sri Lanka take the field in Jamaica.

For the West Indies ODI Squad, this series represents more than three matches. It is another step in a broader mission to restore consistency in the 50-over format and strengthen their World Cup ambitions before the qualification race intensifies further.

West Indies Updated Squad

Shai Hope (c),  Shimron Hetmyer, Sherfane Rutherford, Ackeem Auguste, John Campbell, Roston Chase, Keacy Carty, Matthew Forde, Amir Jangoo, Alzarri Joseph, Justin Greaves, Shamar Joseph, Jayden Seales, Gudakesh Motie, and Shamar Springer.

West Indies Vs Sri Lanka ODI Series Schedule

• 1st ODI: June 3, 2026, at Sabina Park, Jamaica.
• 2nd ODI: June 6, 2026, at Sabina Park, Jamaica.
• 3rd ODI: June 8, 2026, at Sabina Park, Jamaica.