West Indies' star player injured and ruled out of ODIs vs New Zealand, RR batter rejoins after poor MLC season

West Indies’ in-form batting all-rounder Justin Greaves has been ruled out of the second and third ODI of the series against New Zealand due to a back injury. As per a statement by Cricket West Indies, Greaves will continue his rehabilitation in Barbados.

So far, Greaves has not been ruled out of the fourth and fifth ODI of the series. He will be reassessed before the last two ODIs of the series. The 32-year-old played a crucial hand in West Indies' historic Test series win against Sri Lanka. He scored 180 in the drawn Test and was named 'Player of the match' along with 'Player of the series'.

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Hetmyer replaces Greaves

In Greaves' absence, Shimron Hetmyer has been recalled to the ODI squad. Hetmyer was not part of the initial squad due to his commitment to Major League Cricket (MLC) franchise Seattle Orcas. With Orcas eliminated from the playoffs’ race, Hetmyer will join West Indies squad for the second and third ODI of the series. 

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Hetmyer struggles in MLC

Hetmyer had a poor MLC season, scoring just 164 runs from 10 innings, averaging 20.50. His strike rate was 136.66. The only notable knock was an unbeaten 79 against Washington Freedom in a winning cause.

West Indies’ updated squad for 2nd and 3rd ODI vs New Zealand - 

John Campbell, Keacy Carty, Shai Hope (w/c), Sherfane Rutherford, Roston Chase, Gudakesh Motie, Matthew Forde, Shimron Hetmyer, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Jayden Seales, Keemo Paul, Amir Jangoo, Ackeem Auguste, Vitel Lawes.

West Indies lead the series 1-0

West Indies are expected to announce the squad for the Bridgetown leg of the ODI series later this week.

In the first ODI of the series, West Indies beat Mitchell Santner-led side by seven wickets in Guyana. In the run chase of 268, Keacy Carty scored 95 whereas skipper Shai Hope remained unbeaten for a 92-ball 87. West Indies won with seven balls to spare.

With the ball, Alzarri Joseph claimed a four-fer whereas 19-year-old debutant, left-arm wrist spinner Vitel Lawes, claimed three wickets. The second of the five-ODI series will be played on July 13. It is yet to be seen whether Hetmyer plays or Hope retains the winning combination.