ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) — Teenaged wrist spinner Vitel Lawes could possibly make his debut for the West Indies senior men’s team after being included in a 15-member squad for the opening three matches of their five-match One-Day International (ODI)series against New Zealand, which bowls off this weekend.

The 19-year-old Jamaican has been in training with the senior team at the preparatory camp prior to the start of the home series against Sri Lanka.

Lawes has been rewarded for his exceptional performance in the ICC Under-19 Men’s World Cup held earlier this year, where he claimed 10 wickets and was named in the Team of the Tournament.

West Indies Head Coach Daren Sammy described Lawes’ inclusion in the squad as strategic.

“The inclusion of Vitel Lawes is strategic as we continue our long-term vision of exposing players who can complement the team in conditions that best suit their skill sets,” he said.

The Windies will, however, be without the services of the big hitting Shimron Hetmyer and all-rounder Shamar Springer.

Hetmyer was granted pre-approved clearance through a no objection certificate (NOC) to fulfil his Major League Cricket commitments, while Springer withdrew from selection following the passing of his mother.

All-rounder Keemo Paul has been drafted in to replace Springer and is the only other change to the squad that lost 1-0 to Sri Lanka in their three-match ODI series.

With the West Indies in dire need of points to automatically qualify for the 2027 ICC Men’s World Cup, Sammy said winning the series against New Zealand was crucial.

The Windies currently sit in 10th position on 73 points, 11 behind Bangladesh for the final automatic qualifying spot.

“Every series we play from here on leading up to the 50 Over World Cup, we view them as must-win scenarios. The matches against New Zealand provide the best opportunity for us to continue our improvement as an ODI unit while winning more matches for the people of the Caribbean,” Sammy said.

The team assembles in Guyana on Wednesday after the completion of the Test series against Sri Lanka in Antigua.