Hetmyer Replaces Injured Greaves for NZ ODIs 2 and 3

West Indies have named Shimron Hetmyer in their squad for the second and third ODIs against New Zealand after Justin Greaves was ruled out with a back injury sustained in the series opener at Providence. Greaves has travelled back to Barbados to continue his recovery, and Cricket West Indies confirmed the squad changes in a statement issued after the first ODI, which West Indies won by seven wickets to move ahead in the series.

Hetmyer last played an ODI in June 2025. He was part of the squad for the West Indies’ series against Sri Lanka in June this year but did not play a match. Selectors initially left him out of the squad for the first three ODIs against New Zealand so that he could finish his season with the Seattle Orcas in Major League Cricket.

Why Hetmyer Was Added to the Squad

Seattle Orcas finished fifth in the MLC standings and missed out on a knockout spot, so Hetmyer no longer had a franchise commitment keeping him away from national selection. He scored 164 runs in ten MLC matches this season at a strike rate of 136.66. 

West Indies have not confirmed whether he will play in the second ODI, though his form points to a role lower in the order, where he can push the scoring rate in the closing stages of an innings.

Justin Greaves’ Injury and the Test Series Against Pakistan

Cricket West Indies said Greaves will be reassessed before the squad for the two-match Test series against Pakistan is picked. That series is scheduled directly after the ODIs against New Zealand conclude. 

Greaves scored 180 in his last Test innings, in a high-scoring draw against Sri Lanka that helped West Indies win their first Test series since 2023, and he was named player of the series for his performance across that tour. How quickly he recovers will determine whether he is available for selection against Pakistan.

Squad List and Remaining Fixtures

The fourth and fifth ODIs of the series will be played in Bridgetown, a change from Providence, where the first three matches are being held. Cricket West Indies has said the squad for those final two games will be announced later this week, once there is more clarity on Greaves’ recovery.

West Indies lead the series 1-0 after the opening ODI in Providence. The second match will be played at the same venue, before the series moves to Bridgetown for the final two fixtures. Hetmyer’s inclusion gives the team an additional batting option as they try to close out the series, while the extent of Greaves’ injury will shape squad decisions for the Test series against Pakistan that follows.

West Indies’ squad for the first three ODIs against New Zealand 

Shai Hope (captain, wicketkeeper), Ackeem Auguste, John Campbell, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Shimron Hetmyer, Amir Jangoo, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Vitel Lawes, Gudakesh Motie, Keemo Paul, Sherfane Rutherford and Jayden Seales.

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