The West Indies men’s team has named Roston Chase as its next Test captain. The 33-year-old, who hasn’t played a Test match in over two years, will replace Kraigg Brathwaite, who quit earlier this year in March.
The Test series against Australia at home, which will also be the opening rubber for both teams in the new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, will be Chase’s first task in the position. Jomel Warrican has been appointed the team’s vice-captain.
According to Cricket West Indies (CWI), it used a “data-informed, multi-dimensional framework to guide the selection” and selected Justin Greaves, Joshua Da Silva, Tevin Imlach, and John Campbell for the leadership positions.
The current ODI and T20I captain, Shai Hope, “respectfully declined consideration to focus on his existing leadership roles,” the CWI release added.
Head coach Daren Sammy, cricket director Miles Bascombe, and chairman of the Cricket Strategy and Officiating Committee Enoch Lewis made up the interview panel.
“This selection process is one of the most comprehensive and forward-thinking we have undertaken,” CWI President Dr. Kishore Shallow said. “I am deeply impressed by the professionalism, objectivity, and strategic thinking that shaped the final decision. It sets a new benchmark for leadership appointments in West Indies cricket.”
Sammy called on the supporters to support their new captain. “I wholeheartedly support this appointment. Our new captain has demonstrated the leadership skills we need to advance our team, gained the respect of his teammates, and is aware of the responsibility that comes with the position. We’re creating something unique, therefore I implore supporters around the area to unite behind him.”
Chase has scored 2265 runs at an average of 26.33 in 49 Test matches, including five hundreds. In addition, he has taken 85 wickets; his best record against England in Bridgetown in 2019 was 8 for 60.
