West Indies include uncapped Vitel Lawes in squad for New Zealand ODIs

GEORGETOWN: West Indies have handed a maiden international call-up to 19-year-old left-arm wrist-spinner Vitel Lawes for the opening three One-Day Internationals against New Zealand national cricket team in Guyana, despite the youngster yet to play a professional match.

Lawes, who impressed during the recent Under-19 World Cup by claiming 10 wickets at an average of 22.70, could make his List A debut if selected during the series.

Remarkably, he has not featured in first-class, one-day or T20 cricket but has been training with the senior West Indies squad during a preparatory camp ahead of the home season.

Former West Indies left-arm spinner Nikita Miller has also joined the team's support staff for the opening phase of the New Zealand series to assist with Lawes' integration into the senior setup.

West Indies head coach Daren Sammy said the teenager's inclusion reflects the team's long-term planning.

"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," Sammy said.

Meanwhile, Shimron Hetmyer will miss the start of the ODI series after receiving permission to extend his stint with the Seattle Orcas in Major League Cricket.

West Indies have also been forced into a change after all-rounder Shamar Springer withdrew from the squad following the death of his mother. He has been replaced by Keemo Paul.

"Cricket West Indies extends its deepest condolences to Springer and his family during this difficult time," the board said in a statement.

The Caribbean side head into the series after losing their most recent ODI assignment 1-0 to Sri Lanka national cricket team, with the second and third matches abandoned without a ball being bowled in Jamaica due to adverse weather.

Sammy stressed the importance of every ODI as West Indies build towards the next 50-over World Cup.

"Every series we play from here on leading up to the 50-over World Cup, we view them as must-win scenarios," Sammy said.

"The matches against New Zealand provide the best opportunity for us to continue our improvement as an ODI unit while winning more matches for the people of the Caribbean."

The five-match ODI series begins on July 11 in Guyana, with the next two matches scheduled for July 13 and 16 before the remaining fixtures move to Barbados on July 19 and 21.

New Zealand will be without several first-choice players following their Test tour of England but welcome back white-ball captain Mitchell Santner, alongside Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell and Jacob Duffy.

West Indies squad for the first three ODIs against New Zealand: Shai Hope (c/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 and Jayden Seales.