The West Indies’ preparations for the three-match ODI series against Pakistan have taken a hit. Just a day before the first ODI at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba on Friday, fast bowler Matthew Forde has been ruled out with a shoulder injury.

Training Session Turns Costly

It all happened during a training session on Wednesday. Forde, known for his athleticism in the field, went for a catch but ended up dislocating his left shoulder. Cricket West Indies (CWI) confirmed the news on social media, leaving supporters frustrated at the timing.

The 23-year-old had been building a reputation not only with the ball but also with the bat. In fact, he still holds the record for the fastest ODI fifty, a jaw-dropping 16-ball blitz against Ireland back in May. Losing that kind of firepower in the lower order is never easy for any team.

Replacement Named

With Matthew Forde sidelined, the selectors have handed a chance to uncapped academy pacer Johann Layne. The youngster now finds himself in a dressing room alongside the likes of Jayden Seales, Shamar Joseph, Romario Shepherd, and Jediah Blades.

Gudakesh Motie will lead the spin department, while Alzarri Joseph gets a rest.

Layne’s call-up is certainly exciting, but let’s be honest, he has some big boots to fill. Forde brought balance to the side, and his absence shifts the dynamics, both with the new ball and in the slog overs.

Recent Form

The West Indies have had a patchy run in ODIs over the past few years. This series against Pakistan will be just their fifth in the format since the start of 2023.

However, the men in maroon come into it with some confidence, having beaten England twice (2-1 each time) and sweeping Bangladesh 3-0.

That said, the team will want to bounce back after losing the T20I series 2-1 to Pakistan in Lauderhill.

While this series might seem like just another bilateral contest, it carries serious weight in terms of qualification for the 2027 ODI World Cup. The West Indies currently sit tenth in the ICC rankings and must climb to at least ninth to secure automatic qualification.

With Pakistan sitting six spots above them, a series win here could be a massive boost to their hopes. On the flip side, another defeat would leave them with even more work to do in the coming months.

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