West Indies Name Strong Squad For Ireland And England ODIs With Eye On 2027 World Cup Qualification

As the cricketing world continues its build-up toward the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in South Africa and Zimbabwe, the West Indies have announced a settled and promising 15-member ODI squad for their upcoming tours of Ireland and England. The series will span from May 21 to June 7, 2025, with three ODIs in Dublin followed by another three in England. While the T20I leg will follow later in June, the current focus remains on the ODI format, where the Caribbean side looks to sustain its upward momentum after a commanding 3-0 series win over Bangladesh in December 2024.

What makes this squad announcement especially intriguing is the continuity of selection — a sign that the Cricket West Indies (CWI) selectors and head coach Daren Sammy are intent on building a stable core group with the 2027 World Cup in mind. Only one change has been made from the squad that dominated Bangladesh late last year, indicating trust in the current setup and a commitment to grooming players who have already impressed in the maroon jersey.

A Notable Omission: Hetmyer Makes Way for Youth

Perhaps the biggest headline from the squad announcement is the absence of flamboyant left-hander Shimron Hetmyer, who is currently participating in IPL 2025. While no official reason was given for his exclusion, it appears that form, fitness, and availability might have played a role. Hetmyer has had a stop-start international career, and despite his undeniable talent, consistency has often eluded him.

Taking Hetmyer’s place is the young and ambitious Jewel Andrew, a name that has been on the radar of West Indies selectors throughout the past year. Andrew, a top-order batter with flair and temperament, had been on the fringes during the Bangladesh series and now gets a golden opportunity to cement his place in the squad. His recall is also a signal of West Indies’ intent to groom youth alongside experience as they look to create a balanced side for the future.

West Indies ODI Squad for Ireland and England Tour (May–June 2025)

Shai Hope (captain)
Jewel Andrew
Keacy Carty
Roston Chase
Matthew Forde
Justin Greaves
Amir Jangoo (wk)
Alzarri Joseph
Shamar Joseph
Brandon King
Evin Lewis
Gudakesh Motie
Sherfane Rutherford
Jayden Seales
Romario Shepherd

Hope Remains at the Helm

There are few more calming presences in West Indies cricket today than Shai Hope. As captain, Hope has brought a sense of maturity and tactical astuteness to the side, both as a leader and as a batter. His cool-headedness at the crease and ability to hold innings together make him the ideal bridge between the aggressive power-hitters and the technically sound anchors in the team.

Under his captaincy, West Indies have shown marked improvement in the ODI format, including series wins over England and Bangladesh in late 2024. These victories not only lifted team morale but also bumped West Indies to 9th in the ICC ODI rankings, positioning them within reach of direct qualification for the 2027 World Cup.

Dynamic Opening Duo: Brandon King and Evin Lewis

West Indies’ top order will once again be bolstered by the explosive pairing of Brandon King and Evin Lewis. Both batters bring an aggressive approach to the powerplay, capable of dismantling bowling attacks early on. King’s improved shot selection and Lewis’ seasoned experience in white-ball cricket make them a formidable opening duo.

With Keacy Carty expected to slot in at No. 3, the batting order gains much-needed solidity. Carty’s ability to rotate strike and absorb pressure complements the flair of King and Lewis. His role will be pivotal, especially against swing-heavy conditions in England.

Middle Order Packed with Power and Precision

The middle-order selection reveals a fine mix of aggression and adaptability. Amir Jangoo, who made a sensational ODI debut with a 79-ball century against Bangladesh, retains his place in the side. Jangoo’s attacking instincts and sharp glove work behind the stumps make him a valuable dual-threat.

He’s likely to be joined by Sherfane Rutherford, whose destructive hitting ability is well-known from the T20 circuit, and Roston Chase, who offers stability and a second-spin option. Justin Greaves also adds depth, known for his hard-hitting style and handy medium pace.

All-Round Arsenal and Return of the Pacers

One of the most encouraging developments for the Windies ahead of this tour is the return of two promising fast bowlers — Shamar Joseph and Matthew Forde. Both missed the Bangladesh series due to injuries but are now fully fit. Shamar Joseph, the breakout Test star who impressed against Australia in early 2024, brings raw pace and aggression, while Forde offers control and variation in the middle overs.

Joining them are reliable pacers Alzarri Joseph, Romario Shepherd, and Jayden Seales, rounding off a potent pace battery that can exploit the seam-friendly conditions in Ireland and England. Romario Shepherd’s dual role as a lower-order slugger and effective death bowler enhances the team’s flexibility.

The sole specialist spinner, Gudakesh Motie, continues to solidify his place as the primary slow-bowling option. His left-arm orthodox spin has developed impressively over the past year, especially in containing runs and breaking partnerships in the middle overs.

Strategic Goals and Momentum Building Toward 2027

With their focus clearly on qualifying directly for the 2027 World Cup, the West Indies will view the Ireland and England ODIs as vital checkpoints. Given their current position in the rankings, consistency and series wins are crucial — both to earn qualification points and to establish a winning culture.

The recent 3-0 win over Bangladesh wasn’t just a statistical victory; it was a morale booster. For a team that has struggled with inconsistency over the last decade, back-to-back series wins against Full Member nations like England and Bangladesh show that the tide may finally be turning.

Ireland Series – A Must-Win Opportunity

West Indies kick off the Ireland leg of the tour with the first ODI on May 21 at Clontarf Cricket Club in Dublin. The Irish side, known for its scrappy, fighting spirit, cannot be taken lightly — especially at home. But given the West Indies’ recent form and superior talent pool, this is a series they would be expected to win convincingly.

Taking maximum points from this series is essential if they are to maintain upward movement in the ICC ODI Super League standings and reduce pressure ahead of more challenging fixtures later in the year.

England Series – The Real Test

Once the Ireland tour concludes, the West Indies will shift focus to England for a three-match ODI series starting May 29 at Edgbaston. England’s white-ball sides are known for their firepower and depth, and conditions will be far more challenging.

However, with the experience of playing in the 2024 series (which West Indies won), the Hope-led side will be more confident than ever. The English conditions may suit West Indies’ pace attack, especially if Shamar Joseph and Jayden Seales hit their rhythm.

Moreover, playing at venues like Edgbaston and The Oval will give the younger players valuable exposure ahead of global events like the Champions Trophy in 2025 and the World Cup in 2027.

Players to Watch

Shai Hope

As captain and top-order linchpin, Hope’s performances will be crucial. His ODI average remains among the best in world cricket, and he will be expected to guide the batting through tricky situations.

Amir Jangoo

After a dazzling debut, Jangoo’s ability to carry that form into away conditions will be closely watched. His attacking strokeplay, combined with his wicketkeeping, makes him a rare asset.

Shamar Joseph

His return adds firepower to the bowling attack. With his raw pace and bounce, he could be a game-changer, especially in England where conditions favor seamers.

Gudakesh Motie

A quietly effective operator, Motie’s role in controlling the middle overs and picking up timely wickets will be key, particularly on slower pitches in Ireland.

A Golden Opportunity for the Caribbean Revival

The 2025 tours of Ireland and England mark a pivotal moment in West Indies cricket’s white-ball journey. With a balanced squad that blends youth and experience, pace and spin, aggression and patience, the West Indies appear more settled and focused than they’ve been in years.

A strong showing in these six ODIs could not only catapult them up the ODI rankings but also strengthen team unity and build a solid foundation for the upcoming ICC tournaments. For a region rich in cricketing history and talent, the time for resurgence is now — and this squad, led by the ever-reliable Shai Hope, might just be the group to bring the Caribbean roar back to global cricket.

Upcoming Fixtures (ODIs):