Guyana batsman Shimron Hetmyer makes a return to the West Indies 15 man squad for the highly anticipated CG United One Day International home series against England which begins on Thursday in Antigua.

Hetmyer last represented West Indies in December 2023 and has replaced Alick Athanaze to be the only change from the squad that toured Sri Lanka earlier this month.

Another change in the squad sees Jamaican top order batsman Brandon King being elevated to the vice captain’s position, taking over from Alzari Joseph, with Shai Hope remaining as captain.

The remainder of the squad reads Jewel Andrew, Keacy Carty, Matthew Forde, Alzari Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Sherfane Rutherford, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd and Hayden Walsh Jr.

Commenting on the upcoming encounter, freshly back in the Caribbean after an ODI tour of Sri Lanka, West Indies Men’s Head Coach Daren Sammy expressed his excitement about returning to action against England.

“Playing against England always provides a new challenge and reignites a rivalry that the players and the people of the Caribbean are eager for. Somehow, we West Indies always find a way to raise our game when we face England”, Sammy said.

“This rivalry goes back for decades, and after defeating them last year at home for the first time in a long time in an ODI series, we’re ready to face the challenge of a strong England squad again. It’s always special to play at home, where the local support brings energy and passion to every match. With our sights set on qualifying for the ICC Men’s World Cup in 2027, we’ve selected a balanced squad that will no doubt push and compete with one of the best teams in the world.”

The three-match ODI series begins with two matches at the Sir Viv Richards Stadium on October 31 and November 2 before the final showdown at Kensington Oval in Barbados on November 6.

This will be followed by the five-match T20 International series scheduled for November 9, 10, 14, 16 and 17.

The T20 squad will be announced shortly.