After an almost year-long layoff from international cricket, fast bowler Alzarri Joseph is among 17 players set to take part in a 10-day high performance training camp specially geared towards preparing the West Indies for their upcoming One Day International (ODI) series against Sri Lanka next month.
Cricket West Indies (CWI) on Thursday announced that the camp will be held at the Coolidge Cricket Ground from May 21 to 30, ahead of the three-match ODI series, with the opener set to bowl off on June 3 at Sabina Park in Jamaica.
Joseph, who was dealing with a lower-back injury, last played for the West Indies in July last year, when he featured in a T2oI against India in Trinidad.
If he is selected in the final 11 on June 3, it will mark exactly a year since he last played an ODI for the Windies, having done so against England at Kensington Oval on June 3, 2025.
Apart from Joseph’s inclusion, there are no other surprises in the squad considering that key players, including Sherfane Rutherford and Romario Shepherd, are currently playing in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL).
CWI explained that players currently involved in the IPL will be unavailable for the camp due to ongoing franchise commitments.
As a result, the final squad for the three-match ODI series will be announced at a later date.
However, one notable inclusion is emerging West Indies Under-19 talent Vitel Lawes, who has been invited as part of CWI’s continued commitment to developing the next generation of regional players.
In a statement, CWI said the training camp forms a key part of the team’s wider strategy to strengthen performance in the format over the next 18 months.
Head coach Daren Sammy will lead the programme alongside his support staff, while newly appointed fast-bowling consultant Ottis Gibson will officially begin his tenure during the camp, which will focus on elevating performance standards across all areas.
The camp will also feature full-day sessions centred on technical development, tactical execution, match-simulation scenarios, physical conditioning, and strengthening team cohesion.
Players will also work closely with CWI’s high-performance unit, including coaching, medical, sports science, and strength and conditioning personnel.
Director of Cricket at CWI, Miles Bascombe underscored the significance of the initiative as the West Indies intensify preparations for a demanding international schedule and their pursuit of automatic qualification for the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.
“This camp represents far more than preparation for a single series. It is a strategic investment in the identity, culture, and consistency we want this team to build over the next 18 months.
“Every session is designed to strengthen our white-ball systems, sharpen execution under pressure, and help position the West Indies for automatic qualification to the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup,” Bascombe said.
WEST INDIES TRAINING SQUAD: Shai Hope, Jewel Andrew, Ackeem Auguste, John Campbell, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Justin Greaves, Amir Jangoo, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Vitel Lawes (development), Gudakesh Motie, Khary Pierre, Jayden Seales, Shamar Springer.
