Jayden Lennox enjoyed a breakthrough ODI series in the Caribbean, finishing with 14 wickets as New Zealand secured a 3-2 series victory over the West Indies.

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The left-arm spinner was named Player of the Series after producing one of the finest performances by a spinner in a bilateral ODI contest, continuing his rapid rise in international cricket.

Lennox Joins Elite Company

Lennox’s 14 wickets across the five matches equalled the 10th-highest wicket tally by a spinner in a bilateral men’s ODI series between two international teams.

The New Zealand bowler also moved ahead of several legendary names. His haul eclipsed the best bilateral ODI series returns of Shane Warne, Anil Kumble and Shahid Afridi, who each finished with 13 wickets in their finest individual series. Lennox also matched Akila Dananjaya’s 14-wicket performance against South Africa in 2018.

The achievement was particularly impressive given it came in only his third bilateral ODI series.

After making his international debut against India earlier this year, the 31-year-old has quickly become an important member of New Zealand’s bowling attack.

Learning from Santner

Lennox said the Caribbean conditions provided an ideal opportunity to improve his craft while learning from experienced captain Mitchell Santner.

“It’s been a lot of fun. Playing on pitches that are pretty spin-conducive has been a great learning experience for me,” Lennox said.

“These bilateral series are all about learning and gaining experience in foreign conditions, so I’ll certainly go home with my pockets full of knowledge.

“I think it’s just about the subtleties of the craft. Mitch Santner has been doing it for a long time now, so to be able to be here, watch what he’s doing, see how he’s operating, and use some of his tricks and subtle variations is what it’s all about when you come and play on these surfaces.”

West Indies End Series with Consolation Victory

Although New Zealand wrapped up the series, West Indies finished on a positive note by winning the fifth and final ODI by two wickets in Barbados. Chasing 269, the hosts reached the target with 15 balls remaining thanks to a match-winning unbeaten 69 from Shimron Hetmyer and a vital 61 from Sherfane Rutherford.

The pair rebuilt the innings after New Zealand’s spinners had slowed the scoring, sharing a crucial partnership that put West Indies in control before late wickets created a tense finish. Despite New Zealand’s late fightback, Hetmyer remained calm to guide his side over the line and earn the Player of the Match award.

“I wasn’t really thinking about getting a half-century, to be honest. I was just thinking about how I could make sure the team crossed the line,” Hetmyer said.

“Every time a new batter came out I was just like, ‘Make sure you’re there at the end.’ I’m just happy that I could be there to make sure we crossed the line.”

While West Indies avoided a series whitewash with their dramatic victory, the biggest individual story of the contest belonged to Lennox, whose outstanding performances established him among the most successful spinners ever to feature in a bilateral ODI series.