Andrew’s First West Indies ODI Call-Up
Exciting teenage sensation Jewel Andrew has taken a giant step forward in his cricketing journey, earning a place in the West Indies senior men’s squad for the upcoming One-Day International (ODI) tours of Ireland and England. The 18-year-old Antiguan wicketkeeper-batsman is the only new face in a largely unchanged 15-man squad that enjoyed a successful end to 2024 with back-to-back ODI series wins against England and Bangladesh.
Andrew replaces out-of-form batsman Shimron Hetmyer, who had been named in the squad for the Bangladesh series last December but withdrew due to illness. While Hetmyer has been left out entirely this time, Andrew’s inclusion reflects Cricket West Indies’ (CWI) renewed focus on youth development and long-term squad planning ahead of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in 2027.
The young Andrew, who has impressed in regional youth tournaments with his composure at the crease and sharp glove work behind the stumps, is viewed as a potential long-term solution for the West Indies in the wicketkeeper-batsman role. His inclusion comes as part of a broader strategy to get new talent while maintaining competitiveness at the international level.
The squad was officially unveiled by CWI on Monday and features a balanced mix of experienced players and promising talent. Captain Shai Hope once again leads the side, with familiar names like Brandon King, Alzarri Joseph, Roston Chase, Gudakesh Motie, and Romario Shepherd offering both stability and firepower. Rising pace duo Shamar Joseph and Jayden Seales also retain their places, as does veteran opener Evin Lewis, indicating a blend of the new and the tested.
Head coach Daren Sammy, speaking on the squad selection and upcoming series, emphasised the importance of maintaining momentum and building team chemistry in overseas conditions.
“These matches form a critical component of our preparation for the 2027 World Cup,” Sammy said. “We’re seeing signs of growth and consistency, and this tour gives us another opportunity to solidify the brand of cricket we want to play: bold, smart, and disciplined. The conditions in Ireland and England will be testing, but we’re building a culture that embraces challenges.”
The West Indies begin their tour in Dublin, where they’ll face Ireland in a three-match ODI series from May 21 to 25. That will be followed by a series in England, with matches scheduled for May 29 (Edgbaston), June 1 (Sophia Gardens), and June 3 (The Oval). The twin tours mark the Caribbean side’s first ODI outings for 2025.
In addition to the squad announcement, CWI also confirmed a shake-up in the coaching staff for the tour. Former West Indies fast bowler and 2012 T20 World Cup winner Ravi Rampaul has been appointed as bowling coach, replacing New Zealander James Franklin. Rampaul’s appointment brings valuable experience to the bowling unit, especially for the pace attack, which is expected to play a key role in the seaming conditions of Ireland and England.
Supporting the team in Ireland will also be former Ireland international Kevin O’Brien, who joins the coaching staff temporarily to provide local insight and technical support during the Irish leg of the tour.
With strong leadership, emerging talent, and renewed strategic focus, the West Indies head into their first assignment of 2025 with confidence and growing expectations. Fans across the region will be eager to see how the young team adapts and performs against two competitive European sides, with eyes already turning toward the bigger picture of World Cup qualification and global glory in 2027.
