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West Indies bowl vs Sri Lanka, Hetmyer not in the XI: Match Update

Zayn Kapoor · 03/06/2026 · 3 min read

In This Article

Strategic Toss Decision at Sabina Park
Team Composition and Notable Absences
Sri Lanka’s Response and Tactical Shift
Returning to Sabina Park
Full Playing XIs

Strategic Toss Decision at Sabina Park

In a much-anticipated clash, the West Indies have won the toss and elected to field first in the opening ODI of Sri Lanka’s tour of the Caribbean. As the teams took to the field at Sabina Park, the captain’s decision to bowl was rooted in the conditions of the surface, with the expectation that the pitch would offer movement to the seamers during the early stages of the day game.

Team Composition and Notable Absences

The biggest talking point of the pre-match build-up centers on the team selection. Specifically, West Indies bowl vs Sri Lanka, Hetmyer not in the XI, despite the talented batsman being named in the broader squad for the series. This omission has sparked immediate interest regarding the team’s tactical approach for this fixture. Justin Greaves has been drafted in to open the batting alongside the experienced John Campbell, signaling a fresh approach at the top of the order.

The middle order remains bolstered by the presence of captain Shai Hope, alongside the hard-hitting Sherfane Rutherford and the reliable Roston Chase. The bowling department features a potent trio of frontline seamers: Jayden Seales, Shamar Joseph, and the experienced Alzarri Joseph. This combination suggests that the West Indies are prioritizing pace and bounce to unsettle the Sri Lankan top order early on.

Sri Lanka’s Response and Tactical Shift

Sri Lanka has also signaled intent with their own selection strategy. A notable move sees Kamindu Mendis elevated to the opening position, providing a left-handed option to combat the West Indies seamers. Their bowling attack is balanced, featuring a mix of spin and pace. With two frontline spinners in the mix, Sri Lanka is clearly banking on the middle overs to slow down the scoring rate, while Dushmantha Chameera and Asitha Fernando lead the pace attack. All-rounder Milan Rathnayaka, making his second ODI appearance, rounds out a side that looks well-equipped for the conditions at Sabina Park.

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Returning to Sabina Park

This match is particularly significant as it marks the first ODI hosted at the iconic Sabina Park since 2022. The return of international one-day cricket to this venue has been met with enthusiasm, and both sides are keen to make a strong impression. The pitch, often known for its sporting nature, will provide a rigorous test for both the batting lineups and the bowlers.

Full Playing XIs

Below are the confirmed lineups for today’s contest:

West Indies XI:

John Campbell
Justin Greaves
Keacy Carty
Shai Hope (capt, wk)
Sherfane Rutherford
Roston Chase
Matthew Forde
Gudakesh Motie
Alzarri Joseph
Shamar Joseph
Jayden Seales

Sri Lanka XI:

Pathum Nissanka
Kamindu Mendis
Kusal Mendis (capt, wk)
Pavan Rathnayake
Charith Asalanka
Janith Liyanage
Wanindu Hasaranga
Milan Rathnayake
Maheesh Theekshana
Dushmantha Chameera
Asitha Fernando

As the match progresses, all eyes will be on whether the West Indies’ decision to bowl first pays dividends. The absence of key players like Hetmyer forces others to step up, adding an extra layer of intrigue to what promises to be a highly competitive opening game in this series. Cricket fans will be watching closely to see how the surface behaves under the Caribbean sun as the day unfolds.

Zayn Kapoor

Zayn Kapoor is a senior cricket correspondent for The Indian Express, acclaimed for his incisive coverage of the sport’s most electric rivalry: India versus Pakistan. An alumnus of Hindu College, University of Delhi, he began his career on the domestic circuit before quickly establishing himself as a sharp analyst and a gifted storyteller. Zayn’s work is defined by his ability to bridge two cricketing cultures; his features often explore the shared histories, mutual admiration, and occasional tensions that make India‑Pakistan contests unrivalled. He has a deep technical grasp of fast bowling and has interviewed some of the greatest pacers from both sides of the border. A recipient of the Sardar Hazara Singh Award and a regular face on television panels, Zayn brings nuance, empathy, and a historian’s eye to every piece he writes. He is also a passionate advocate for preserving cricket’s oral histories and grassroots traditions.