West Indies have been forced into an early squad reshuffle during their ODI series against New Zealand after an injury setback to one of their key all-rounders. Having begun the three-match series on a winning note, the Caribbean side will now have to continue without Justin Greaves, whose recent performances have made him an important part of the national setup across formats.
The injury comes at an unfortunate time for Greaves, who has enjoyed an impressive run in international cricket over the past few months. With two ODIs still left to play before West Indies switch their focus to the upcoming Test series against Pakistan, the selectors have moved quickly to strengthen the squad by recalling an experienced campaigner.
Justin Greaves ruled out of New Zealand ODI series
Cricket West Indies confirmed that Greaves has been ruled out of the second and third ODIs against New Zealand after suffering a back injury. The all-rounder had already missed the opening ODI in Providence because of the issue and has now returned to Barbados to continue his rehabilitation.
To replace Greaves, the selectors have recalled left-handed batter Shimron Hetmyer to the squad. Hetmyer was initially unavailable for the first phase of the New Zealand series as he was representing the Seattle Orcas in the 2026 Major League Cricket season. However, with the franchise failing to qualify for the playoffs, he has now linked up with the West Indies squad.
Hetmyer was also named in West Indies’ ODI squad for the recent Sri Lanka series but did not feature in any of the three matches. During this year’s MLC campaign, he scored 164 runs in 10 matches at a strike rate of 136.66, giving the selectors confidence ahead of his return to international cricket.
The updated West Indies squad for the remaining New Zealand ODIs includes:
Shai Hope (c & wk), Ackeem Auguste, John Campbell, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Shimron Hetmyer, Amir Jangoo, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Vitel Lawes, Gudakesh Motie, Keemo Paul, Sherfane Rutherford and Jayden Seales.
Greaves’ recent performances for West Indies
Greaves’ absence is a significant blow considering the impact he has made in recent months. The all-rounder was one of the standout performers during West Indies’ recent Test series against Sri Lanka, where he produced a memorable unbeaten 180 in the final Test to help his side secure their first Test series victory since 2023.
His outstanding performances earned him the Player of the Series award and further cemented his place in the national setup. Cricket West Indies has stated that Greaves will continue his rehabilitation in Barbados and will be reassessed ahead of the final two ODIs against New Zealand, as well as the subsequent two-match Test series against Pakistan.
With West Indies already holding a 1-0 lead in the ODI series after a convincing seven-wicket victory in the opener, the hosts will be hoping Hetmyer can make an immediate impact as they look to seal the series before heading to Bridgetown for the remaining fixtures.
