Major boost for West Indies ahead of third ODI against England

West Indies have received a timely boost ahead of the third and final ODI against England, with hard-hitting middle-order batter Sherfane Rutherford rejoining the squad.

According to international media reports, Rutherford arrived on Sunday after completing his Indian Premier League (IPL) campaign with Gujarat Titans. He last featured in the Eliminator against Mumbai Indians on May 30.

The left-handed batter had a decent IPL season, scoring 291 runs in 13 innings at an average of 32.33 and an impressive strike rate of 157.29. He also holds a strong ODI record, averaging 71.00 in 12 matches for the West Indies.

Rutherford last played for the national side in December 2024. However, his recent form in the IPL and consistent ODI performances may earn him a place in the playing XI for the final game of the series.

West Indies have already lost the three-match series but will aim to end on a high with a consolation win.

In the first ODI, England dominated with a massive 238-run victory, powered by half-centuries from Jacob Bethell, Ben Duckett, Harry Brook, and Joe Root. Jamie Overton and Saqib Ahmed starred with the ball, claiming three wickets each.

The second match saw a much better fight from the Caribbean side. Keacy Carty’s century helped them post a competitive total of 308. Despite reducing England to 2 for 2 and later 133 for 5, a superb 166-run innings from Joe Root led the hosts to a narrow three-wicket win with seven balls remaining.

West Indies ODI squad:

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