If Lawes, who impressed at the Under-19 World Cup with 10 wickets at 22.70, earns a cap during the series it would mark his List A debut with the spinner yet to play any game at first-class, one-day or T20 level. He has been training with West Indies’ senior team since a camp ahead of the home season.

Nikita Miller, the former West Indies left-arm spinner who has worked closely with Lawes, has been added to the support staff for the start of the New Zealand to aid Lawes’ introduction to the squad.

“The inclusion of Vitel Lawes is strategic as we continue our long-term vision of exposing players who can complement the team in conditions that best suit their skill sets,” head coach Daren Sammy said.

West Indies lost their most recent ODI series 1-0 against Sri Lanka with the second two matches abandoned without a ball bowled in Jamaica.

“Every series we play from here on leading up to the 50-over World Cup, we view them as must-win scenarios,” Sammy said. “The matches against New Zealand provide the best opportunity for us to continue our improvement as an ODI unit while winning more matches for the people of the Caribbean.”

The series against New Zealand starts on July 11 followed by further matches in Guyana on July 13 and 16 before the final two games are staged in Barbados on July 19 and 21.

West Indies squad for first three ODIs vs New Zealand

Shai Hope (capt), Ackeem Auguste, John Campbell, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Justin Greaves, Amir Jangoo, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Vitel Lawes, Gudakesh Motie, Keemo Paul, Sherfane Rutherford, Jayden Seales