Satisfied with his fitness again, the West Indies selectors have recalled explosive left-hander Shimron Hetmyer to their squad for the home T20I series against India and New Zealand. The player, who last represented the Calypso Kings at the 2021 T20 World Cup in UAE, had been left out of the team on fitness grounds.
Giving Hetmyer a chance to make amends, the selectors got him travelling with the ODI squad while they took on India last week, as he got the chance to work extensively with the trainers and support staff.
It seems the selectors and the management are now happy with Hetmyer’s physical being. They have brought him back for the set of eight matches against the Indians and the Black Caps, with the T20 World Cup 2022 preparations gaining steam.
“We welcome back Hetmyer and it is good to see him again in West Indies colours. He will fortify the batting group and with his experience and adaptability we have a ‘finisher’ who can add value and win matches for the team and delight the supporters,”
chief selector Desmond Haynes said in a CWI release.
However, but there was no space for opening batter Evin Lewis in the squad for the upcoming series since the left-hander hasn’t yet satisfied the fitness criteria laid down by the board. Haynes confirmed that the Lucknow Super Giants player did not complete the fitness test that the board organised for the player during the Indian Premier League 2022.
West Indies will also miss the services of allrounder Fabian Allen, who has opted out of the two series due to personal reasons, while pacer Sheldon Cottrell was unavailable for selection due to an injury.
The Calypso Kings will play a five T20I series against the Indians, starting July 29 in Tarouba, followed by matches in St Kitts on August 1 and 2. The series concludes in USA’s Lauderhill with fixtures scheduled on August 6 and 7.
After only a two-day breather, West Indies will host the Black Caps for a three-match series in Jamaica, with matches arranged on August 10, 12 and 14.
