PORT OF SPAIN: West Indies have recalled all-rounder Romario Shepherd for the three-match One-day International series against Pakistan with coach Darren Sammy hoping that positive results will strengthen their case for an automatic spot at next year’s ODI World Cup.

The squad retained the core of players who secured recent home series victories over England and Bangladesh at the end of 2024, as well as the tour of the United Kingdom earlier this year.

The West Indies are aiming for a fourth consecutive home ODI series win Shepherd returning to the side — led by Shai Hope — for the first time since the series against Bangladesh last year alongside left-arm pacer Jediah Blades.

A youthful side also comprises 18-year-old wicket-keeper-batter Jewel Andrew, who made his ODI debut against Sri Lanka last year and kept his place from the team that featured in the ODI series in England earlier this summer.

Amir Jangoo, who scored a memorable ton on his ODI debut against Bangladesh last year, also retains his spot, having featured against Ireland back in May.

Pacer Alzarri Joseph has been given an extended rest to continue workload management, the Cricket West Indies said in a statement.

The West Indies are currently ranked 10th in the ICC ODI rankings, six places below Pakistan.

“Pakistan presents a different test and challenge as we continue our push for automatic qualification for the 2027 World Cup,” Sammy was quoted as saying in the CWI news release.

“While qualifying is our immediate goal, maintaining a winning mentality and team cohesion is essential for long-term success.

“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.”

The opening match of the series is on Friday and opponents Pakistan’s ODI squad began training on Wednesday.

The optional training session, held under the supervision of the coaching staff, saw players participate in net practice, with both bowlers and batters putting in nearly three hours of work.

In addition to skill-specific drills, players also took part in an extensive fielding session.

The 15-member squad flew in on Tuesday from Florida, where Pakistan took the preceding Twenty20 series against the West Indies 2-1.

Squads:

WEST INDIES: Shai Hope (captain), Jewel Andrew, Jediah Blades, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Justin Greaves, Amir Jangoo, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Sherfane Rutherford, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd.

PAKISTAN: Mohammad Rizwan (captain), Salman Ali Agha, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Muqeem.

Published in Dawn, August 7th, 2025