Hetmyer, Paul and Motie to miss New Zealand ODIs

West Indies will be without Shimron Hetmyer, Keemo Paul and Gudakesh Motie in the three-match One-Day International series against New Zealand, starting on Wednesday (August 17). Jermaine Blackwood and uncapped legspin-bowling allrounder Yannic Cariah have been added to the squad, while Odean Smith will be travelling as a reserve.

Hetmyer, who hasn't played an ODI since July 2021, has made himself unavailable due to personal reasons. Meanwhile, Paul has been ruled out because of an injury. Left-arm spinner Motie too has failed to recover from a finger injury he sustained while playing against India last month.

These three encounters are West Indies' last remaining three fixtures in the Super League which will decide automatic qualifying spots for the 2023 World Cup in India. Only the top-seven sides along with hosts India qualify automatically with those outside having to go through a qualifying competition. The Men in Maroon are currently placed at No. 6 on the points table, having won only eight of their 21 matches.

"The pressure has been on from the beginning to try and win cricket games but this team has been together for a while now. We knew that this series was for points. The pressure, I don't think we are looking at it from that perspective, in terms of we have to win and must get points. The guys know what's at stake here and we know what we have to do to be successful," said skipper Nicholas Pooran.

Blackwood played both of his ODIs way back in 2015, while Cariah is yet to make his international debut. The latter has played 18 List A games, picking up 22 wickets at an average of 17.95. He has also scored 202 runs in 12 innings at an average of 25.25.

"Hetmyer has to attend to a family matter in Guyana. Unfortunately, Motie is not yet able to rejoin the squad and Keemo is struggling with an injury. However, it provides an opportunity for Yannic Cariah to get a chance. He is someone that has been performing well on the regional circuit and we feel now is the right time to integrate him into the senior team set-up," West Indies' lead selector Desmond Haynes said.

"We are looking to broaden the pool of players and we have decided to give Sinclair an opportunity. He has been in the system for a while and was also in the A team to play against Bangladesh A in the upcoming series. We believe with his calm approach and skills he will do well in the matches against New Zealand."

West Indies defeated New Zealand in the third T20I but lost the series 2-1. All three ODIs will be played at Kensington Oval in Barbados.

West Indies ODI squad: Nicholas Pooran (c), Shai Hope, Jermaine Blackwood, Shamarh Brooks, Yannic Cariah, Keacy Carty, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Kyle Mayers, Jayden Seales, Kevin Sinclair.