West Indies Select Teen Wrist Spinner for New Zealand ODIs The West Indies cricket team has announced the inclusion of 19-year-old left-arm wrist spinner Vitel Lawes in its 15-player squad for the opening three One Day Internationals (ODIs) of a five-match home series against New Zealand. The decision marks Lawes' first call-up to the senior team, following his standout performances in the ICC Under-19 World Cup earlier this year. The series, to be played across Guyana and Barbados, serves as a crucial preparation step for the West Indies ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup. Lawes, who has been training with the senior squad since the preparatory camp ahead of the ongoing home season, finished the U19 World Cup with 10 wickets and bowled the most dot balls in the tournament. His performances caught the attention of the coaching staff, leading to his inclusion in the ODI squad. To support his transition to international cricket, spin-bowling coach Nikita Miller has been added to the team management for the Guyana leg of the series, where he will work closely with Lawes to refine his skills. Head coach Daren Sammy emphasized the importance of the New Zealand series in the team's development. "Every series we play from here on leading up to the 50 Over World Cup, we view them as must-win scenarios," Sammy stated. "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." He further highlighted the strategic value of Lawes' inclusion, noting that the team aims to expose players who can complement the squad in conditions that suit their strengths. The squad will assemble in Guyana on July 8 after the conclusion of the Test series against Sri Lanka in Antigua.#new_zealand #west_indies #guyana #barbados #vitel_lawes
