Windies drop Hetmyer for tour of England & Ireland

Batter Shimron Hetmyer has been left out of West Indies’ one-day international squad to play England and Ireland this month.

Left-hander Hetmyer, currently playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and one of West Indies’ most high-profile players, featured in the Windies’ 2-1 win over an understrength England last year.

He missed a series against Bangladesh that followed through illness and was replaced by 27-year-old Amir Jangoo, who made a debut century in the third match.

West Indies play a three-match one-day international series in Ireland from 21-25 May, before matches in England on 29 May, 1 June and 3 June.

Three T20s against England follow from 6 June.

It will be the first white-ball series for England since Harry Brook was named permanent white-ball captain.

There is no place in West Indies’ squad for Nicholas Pooran, who has not played an ODI since 2023.

The touring party is largely the same as the one that beat England, with batter Shai Hope captain, and Alzarri Joseph, Jayden Seales and Shamar Joseph among the seam bowlers.

Former Ireland all-rounder Kevin O’Brien will work with Hope’s side during the Ireland leg of the tour.

“These matches form a critical component towards the 2027 World Cup and there are signs of the team building consistency following the series sweep against Bangladesh and the win over England late last year,” said coach Darren Sammy.

“We expect the conditions to be challenging but we are creating a culture and mindset which emphasize playing the brand of cricket that is taking us closer to some of our overall objectives.”

West Indies squad: Shai Hope (captain), Jewel Andrew, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Justin Greaves, Amir Jangoo, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Sherfane Rutherford, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd. BBC Sports