Roston Chase has been named the new Test captain of the West Indies.
He takes over from Kraigg Braithwaite, who held the position from 2017, leading in 39 Tests over eight years. West Indies won 10 Tests under him and finished eighth in all three editions of the World Test Championship. He stepped down as captain in March this year.
Chase, who has played 49 games, scoring 2,265 runs along with picking up 85 wickets, last played Test cricket in March 2023. He averages 26.33 with the bat, with the last of his five hundreds being scored in February 2019. Since the start of 2020, Chase averaged 17.81, making 570 runs in 32 innings, following which he was dropped from the side.
Chase’s appointment comes on the back of a period of indifferent form with the bat for Braithwaite. After a sensational year in 2022, when he averaged 62.45, runs were hard to come by. He scored 846 runs in 17 Tests since the start of 2023, with one hundred and three fifties.
The appointment is the latest revamp in West Indies cricket, which also has a new T20I skipper in Shai Hope, taking over from Rovman Powell. Hope, also the ODI captain, declined to be considered for the Test role.
Chase was selected from a shortlist of six candidates which also included Tevin Imlach, John Campbell, Joshua Da Silva, Justin Greaves and Jomel Worrican. His appointment, according to Cricket West Indies, comes after a "groundbreaking selection process".
"Each candidate went through a detailed assessment process that included psychometric testing to evaluate leadership style, behaviour, and overall suitability for the role, as well as structured interviews focused on tactical approach, communication skills, and team culture," read a release from CWI.
“This selection process is one of the most comprehensive and forward-thinking we have undertaken," said CWI president Kishore Swallow. "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.”
“I fully endorse this appointment," said new head coach Daren Sammy. "Our new captain has earned the respect of his peers, understands the responsibility that comes with the role, and has shown the leadership qualities we need to take this team forward. I urge fans across the region to rally behind him—we’re building something special.”
Chase’s first Test series as captain will be against Australia on June 25, against whom they will play three games at home. His next assignment will be against India away from home, from October 2.
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