Roston Chase, an all-round spin bowler, has been named the new Test squad captain for West Indies cricket. On June 25 in Bridgetown, Barbados, the 33-year-old will play his maiden Test match as skipper in the three-match home series against Australia, marking his return to the longest format after more than two years.
Roston Chase will also be playing in his 50th Test match.
After Kraigg Brathwaite resigned in March after 39 Test matches as captain, the appointment was announced. In addition to a historic victory at the Gabba in 2024, a home series triumph over England in 2022, and a 1-1 tie in Pakistan earlier this year, Brathwaite guided the West Indies to 10 wins, 7 draws, and 22 losses. The need for a comprehensive evaluation process was the reason given by Cricket West Indies (CWI) for delaying the appointment of its successor.
Roston Chase has been appointed the new West Indies Test captain.
The appointment was unanimously approved by the CWI Board of Directors during its meeting held today, May 16, 2025.
Congratulations Roston – WI are rallying behind you!🌴🏏 pic.twitter.com/xfCRfc7A34
— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) May 16, 2025
From a six-man shortlist that included Jomel Warrican, who was named vice-captain, Joshua Da Silva, Justin Greaves, Tevin Imlach, and John Campbell, Chase was selected as the preferred candidate. Psychometric testing and an evaluation of leadership style, attitude, and suitability were part of the selection process, which CWI regarded as one of their most thorough and innovative. Kishore Shallow, president of CWI, commended the strategy.
“This is one of the most thorough and innovative selection processes we have ever used. The professionalism, objectivity, and strategic thought that went into the ultimate decision have greatly impressed me. According to ESPNcricinfo, CWI president Kishore Shallow stated, “It establishes a new standard for leadership appointments in West Indies cricket.”
Daren Sammy, the current head coach and former captain of the West Indies, was also pleased with the method used to select the team’s 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, who made his debut in the red-ball format in 2016, has previously captained the West Indies in one ODI and one T20I. He had three hundreds, including a memorable one against India in Jamaica, and averaged 48.53 in his first ten Test matches, giving him a strong start to his Test career. But because of his recent slump in form, he is currently averaging 26.33 with 2265 runs and 85 off-spin wickets.
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