West Indies has appointed Roston Chase, aged 33-years, as their new Test captain. He played a total of 49 Test matches in his career, now this will be his 50th Test match in total but first as a Captain. More than two years ago, he played his last Test of career against South Africa in Johannesburg, after which the West Indies had participated in 13 Test matches.
The all-rounder also performed the captaincy role for West Indies in one ODI and one T20 match in the past. His first responsibility as a Test Captain will be three Test games home series against Australia, which is going to start on June 25 in Bridgetown. Jomel Warrican, left-arm spinner, will perform his role as his assistant captain.
For both teams, Australia and West Indies, this series will be the first of the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle.
CWI claimed that they selected Chase after shortlisting six persons and after a “detailed assessment process that included psychometric testing to evaluate leadership style, behaviour, and overall suitability for the role”. John Campbell, Tevin Imlach, Joshua Da Silva, Justin Greaves, and Warrican, were the other five candidates who were interviewed for this post.
Shai Hope, who is currently West Indies Captain for ODI and T20 cricket teams, was not reviewed for this role because the team management doesn’t want to overburden his leadership responsibilities.
“This selection process is one of the most comprehensive and forward-thinking we have undertaken,” CWI president, 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.”
West Indies head coach, Daren Sammy, said: “I fully endorse this appointment. 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.”
Kraigg Braithwaite, who was former Test captain of West Indies, stepped down from his post in March. The team played a total of 39 matches under his supervision, where they won 10 matches, lost 22 games and drew seven matches.
CWI already appointed Hope as a West Indies captain for white-ball formats, at the time of Brathwaite’s resignation. However they didn’t announce the new Test captain, and said that they will declare it “in the coming weeks.”
Brathwaite’s term was full of experience for young players in the team, passionate for learning and finding opportunities to win matches in all challenging conditions, and also the growing group of fast and spin bowlers in the team. The remarkable win under his leadership includes 1-0 win in home series against England in 2022, Gabba Test win of January 2024, and a 1-1 draw series in Pakistan in January 2025, which was the last series played under his captaincy.
Chase made 2265 runs at an average of 26.33, by scoring five centuries, and he took 85 wickets with his offspin at 46.00. His first task as a Captain will be to work on his batting scores that were declining in the past.
CWI declared Chase’s appointment via X, formerly Twitter, and during a meeting on Friday, they said it had been “unanimously approved by the CWI Bo
