Left-Arm Spinner Vitel Lawes Named in West Indies ODI Squad for New Zealand Series

Teenage Jamaican left-arm wrist spinner Vitel Lawes has been picked for his first senior West Indies squad ahead of the upcoming One Day International series against New Zealand.

The call-up follows a run of strong form while training with the full national setup since the preparatory camp held before the recent home series.

Lawes rose to prominence earlier this year at the 2026 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup, where he was named in the Team of the Tournament. He took 10 wickets and bowled the highest number of dot balls in the competition.

The squad was reshaped after all-rounder Shamar Springer pulled out following the death of his mother. Cricket West Indies sent condolences to Springer and his family.

Keemo Paul has been drafted in as Springer's replacement, having recently been added to the Test squad as reinforcement.

Shai Hope will captain a group that also includes Jamaican John Campbell, along with Akeem Auguste, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Justin Greaves, Amir Jangoo, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Sherfane Rutherford, and Jayden Seales.

Former Jamaica international Nikita Miller has also been brought onto the coaching staff for the series.

The five-match ODI series gets under way on July 11 at Providence Stadium in Guyana.