Cricket West Indies (CWI) has unveiled the 15-man squad for the upcoming CG United One Day International (ODI) series against Bangladesh, set to take place from December 8–12, 2024 at Warner Park, Basseterre, St Kitts & Nevis. The three-match series, dubbed the "West Indies Home for Christmas" series, promises to be an exciting contest as the West Indies aim to build on their recent success against England.
The squad features two changes from the unit that clinched a 2-1 series victory over England in "The Rivalry" series. All-rounder Justin Greaves and wicketkeeper-batter Amir Jangoo have been called up to replace Hayden Walsh Jnr and Jewel Andrew.
Jewel Andrew, meanwhile, will join a batting camp at the Chennai Academy in India, focused on improving performance in spin-friendly conditions as part of Cricket West Indies' development initiative.
Justin Greaves makes his return to the ODI squad after an outstanding campaign in the CG United Super50 competition, where he smashed a record three consecutive List A centuries. His recent maiden Test century against Bangladesh further solidified his credentials. Head Coach Daren Sammy emphasized Greaves' ability to contribute both with the bat and the ball, describing him as a versatile option capable of batting anywhere in the top six.
Amir Jangoo also earned his spot following a stellar Super50 season, where he led the scoring charts with 446 runs at an average of 89.20. His inclusion brings depth and dynamism to the batting lineup, according to Sammy.
Head Coach Daren Sammy outlined the team's dual focus on short-term success and long-term preparation for the ICC Men’s 50-over World Cup.
“We are looking to broaden the pool of players while also focusing on winning series at home and building momentum from our recent success against England,” Sammy said. He also highlighted the balance Greaves and Jangoo bring to the team, noting their ability to add flexibility and dimension to the batting and all-round units.
The team will be led by Shai Hope, with Brandon King serving as vice-captain. Key players like Shimron Hetmyer, Alzarri Joseph, and Romario Shepherd retain their spots, while emerging talents like Shamar Joseph and Gudakesh Motie offer exciting options in the bowling department.
West Indies CG United ODI Squad:
Shai Hope (Captain)
Brandon King (Vice-Captain)
Keacy Carty
Roston Chase
Matthew Forde
Justin Greaves
Shimron Hetmyer
Amir Jangoo
Alzarri Joseph
Shamar Joseph
Evin Lewis
Gudakesh Motie
Sherfane Rutherford
Jayden Seales
Romario Shepherd
The series will begin on December 8, with subsequent matches on December 10 and December 12 at Warner Park. With the "West Indies Home for Christmas" series set to captivate fans, the team looks ready to continue their winning ways and fine-tune their squad ahead of next year’s global tournaments.
I would have asked to bat in top four on debut, says England's Bethell
Jacob Bethell said that he would have asked to bat up the order on his Test debut had he not received a "surprise" invitation to do so by England against New Zealand.
Bethell scored an unbeaten 50 off 37 balls after coming in at number three and also hit the winning runs as the tourists posted an eight-wicket win in the first Test in Christchurch.
"I would have asked for it to be honest," Bethell told BBC Sport.
"I like batting up the order so I was really happy that opportunity arose. I've always wanted to bat in the top four, so three is perfect," added Bethell, who had not battled above number four in his first-class career where he has an average of 25.44 from 30 innings.
The 21-year-old was called up to the England squad as a batting cover, but found himself in the line-up after an injury to wicketkeeper Jordan Cox.
Bethell was dismissed for 10 in his first Test innings, but produced a quick half-century in the second as England chased down the 104-run target set by New Zealand with ease.
"It's everything I've dreamed of," said Bethell, who hit eight fours and a six during his knock.
"It lived up to expectations. It was so fun."
But Bethell will have his work cut out to keep his number three spot with Ollie Pope, who moved down the order due to workload management after wicketkeeping duties, being the regular for England in that position.
"It was my first experience playing in front of packed grass banks, pristine outfield, good pitches and playing against a good team, so it was great," Bethell said.
"To come out in the second innings and have a chance to walk off with an England win was at the forefront of my mind and luckily I was able to do that."
Born in Barbados, Bethell moved to England at the age of 13 and made his T20 and ODI debuts against Australia in September.
He has scored three scores of 50 or more in 15 limited-over appearances for England so far, earning him a contract with Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Indian Premier League worth about £245,000.
The second Test of the three-match series will begin in Wellington on Thursday.
I would've asked to bat in top four on debut, says England's Bethell
Jacob Bethell said that he would have asked to bat up the order on his Test debut had he not received a "surprise" invitation to do so by England against New Zealand.
Bethell scored an unbeaten 50 off 37 balls after coming in at number three and also hit the winning runs as the tourists posted an eight-wicket win in the first Test in Christchurch.
"I would have asked for it to be honest," Bethell told BBC Sport.
"I like batting up the order so I was really happy that opportunity arose. I've always wanted to bat in the top four, so three is perfect," added Bethell, who had not battled above number four in his first-class career where he has an average of 25.44 from 30 innings.
The 21-year-old was called up to the England squad as a batting cover, but found himself in the line-up after an injury to wicketkeeper Jordan Cox.
Bethell was dismissed for 10 in his first Test innings, but produced a quick half-century in the second as England chased down the 104-run target set by New Zealand with ease.
"It's everything I've dreamed of," said Bethell, who hit eight fours and a six during his knock.
"It lived up to expectations. It was so fun."
But Bethell will have his work cut out to keep his number three spot with Ollie Pope, who moved down the order due to workload management after wicketkeeping duties, being the regular for England in that position.
"It was my first experience playing in front of packed grass banks, pristine outfield, good pitches and playing against a good team, so it was great," Bethell said.
"To come out in the second innings and have a chance to walk off with an England win was at the forefront of my mind and luckily I was able to do that."
Born in Barbados, Bethell moved to England at the age of 13 and made his T20 and ODI debuts against Australia in September.
He has scored three scores of 50 or more in 15 limited-over appearances for England so far, earning him a contract with Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Indian Premier League worth about £245,000.
The second Test of the three-match series will begin in Wellington on Thursday.
Magnificent Matthews leads Melbourne Renegades Women to maiden WBBL title
Hayley Matthews provided the latest example of her exploits as a big game player when she played a starring role to help the Melbourne Renegades Women defeat the Brisbane Heat Women by seven runs via the DLS method in the final of the 2024 Women’s Big Bash League at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Sunday.
Matthews first made a crucial 61-ball 69 at the top of the innings as the Renegades posted 141-9 from their 20 overs after being put in to bat by the Heat.
Her innings included eight fours and was crucial as the Heat bowlers were picking up wickets in quick succession at the other end.
In fact, the only other Renegades batters to reach double figures were Georgia Wareham with 21 and Naomi Stalenberg with 16.
Charli Knott and Grace Parsons were the main threats with the ball with 3-28 and 2-29, respectively.
The Heat, after a rain delay during their reply, were set a revised target of 98 off 12 overs.
Despite the best efforts of captain Jess Jonassen who made 44* off 28 balls, the Heat fell just short of their target, reaching 90-6 off 12 overs.
Matthews led the way with 2-24 from her maximum three overs and was named player of the match.
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