West Indies pick Vitel Lawes for New Zealand ODIs despite no professional experience
Shai Hope gives pep talk to his teammates (Source: Getty Images)
Published - 08 Jul 2026, 02:09 PM• Read time - 2 mins
West Indies have named 19-year-old Vitel Lawes in their 15-member squad for the first three ODIs against New Zealand. Lawes who’s yet to play a professional game of cricket, received his maiden West Indies call-up. He impressed during the Under-19 World Cup earlier this year, taking ten wickets from five matches at an average of 22.70.
If the left-arm wrist-spinner gets to make his debut during the series, it will be his first-ever appearance in List A cricket. Lawes hasn't played a game at first-class, one-day or T20 level but has been training with West Indies' senior team since a camp ahead of the home season.
Former West Indies left-arm spinner Nikita Miller, who has previously worked closely with Lawes, has been added to the support staff for the New Zealand series to help with Lawes’ integration into the squad.
West Indies head coach Darren Sammy has said that the decision to add Lawes is a strategic move to expose him to the conditions which suit his bowling style.
"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 in a media release.
ODI series to begin on July 11
Shimron Hetmyer will miss the opening stages of the series after being granted permission to continue his stint with the Seattle Orcas in Major League Cricket (MLC). All-rounder Shamar Springer has withdrawn from the series following the death of his mother and has been replaced in the squad by Keemo Paul.
West Indies lost their last series against Sri Lanka by 1-0, after the two matches got washed out. Meanwhile, New Zealand will be without several first-choice players following their Test tour of England but have been boosted by the returns of white-ball captain Mitchell Santner alongside Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell and Jacob Duffy.
West Indies squad for first three ODIs vs New Zealand: 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