Alzarri rested for Pakistan ODIs while Romario Shepherd in the West Indies ODI squad along with Jediah Blades.
Alzarri Joseph rested, Shepherd back in WI squad for Pakistan ODIs.
All-rounder Romario Shepherd has returned to the West Indies’ ODI team for the forthcoming three-match series against Pakistan, while fast bowler Alzarri Joseph has been rested. Alzarri’s workload will continue to be controlled. He was also rested for the Twenty20 International match against Pakistan.
Shepherd missed this year’s ODI series against England and Ireland because he hadn’t played ODI cricket since December 2024.
West Indies, now placed tenth, are aiming for key points in their pursuit of straight qualifying for the 2027 ODI World Cup after losing to England 3-0 in their most recent ODI series.
“Pakistan presents a different test and challenge as we continue our push for automatic qualification for the 2027 World Cup,” head coach Daren Sammy said in a statement. “The upcoming matches against teams like Pakistan, who are ranked higher, provide crucial opportunities to earn valuable ranking points to improve our standing ahead of the World Cup.”
Jediah Blades, a rookie left-arm seamer, has been selected for the team in Alzarri’s place. Blades, a 23-year-old who has only been in one ODI and four T20Is thus far, can swing the new ball. The remainder of the side looks familiar.
Although West Indies recently suffered a 2-1 loss to Pakistan in the Twenty20 International series, their home ODI record is good as they have won their last three series. All three of the matches against Pakistan are scheduled for August 8, 10, and 12 at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad.