GEORGETOWN: West Indies have handed 19-year-old left-arm spinner Vittal Lawes his first international call-up for the first of three ODIs against the New Zealand national cricket team in Guyana, even though the youngster is yet to play a professional match.
Lawes, who impressed during the recent U-19 World Cup with 10 wickets at 22.70, could make his List A debut if selected during the series.
Notably, he has not featured in first-class, one-day or T20 cricket, but has been training with the senior West Indies team in a preparatory camp ahead of the domestic season.
Former West Indies left-arm spinner Nikita Miller has joined the team’s support staff for the opening phase of the New Zealand series to help Lawes’ integration into the senior set-up.
West Indies head coach Darren Sammy said the youngster’s inclusion reflected the team’s long-term plan.
“The addition of Videl Laws is strategic as we continue our long-term vision of bringing out players who can complement the team in situations that best suit their skill sets,” Sammy said.
Meanwhile, Shimron Hetmyer will miss the start of the ODI series after being cleared to extend his stint with the Seattle Orcas in Major League Cricket.
West Indies have also been forced into a shake-up with all-rounder Shamar Springer pulling out of the team following the death of his mother. He has been replaced by Chemo Paul.
“Cricket West Indies extends its deepest condolences to Springer and his family at this difficult time,” the board said in a statement.
The Caribbean team advanced to the series after losing the most recent ODI assignment 1-0 to the Sri Lankan national cricket team, with the second and third matches abandoned without a ball in Jamaica due to bad weather.
Sammy emphasized the importance of each ODI as West Indies build towards the next 50-over World Cup.
“Every series we play from here until the 50-over World Cup, we look at as must-win scenarios,” Sammy said.
“The matches against New Zealand provide the Caribbean with a great opportunity to continue our progress as an ODI unit while winning more matches.”
The five-match ODI series begins on July 11 in Guyana, with the next two matches scheduled on July 13 and 16 and the remaining matches being shifted 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.