Roston Chase Named West Indies Test Captain Ahead of Australia Series

In a move that’s caught a few off guard, Roston Chase has been handed the reins of the West Indies Test team. The 33-year-old allrounder, who hasn’t played a Test in over two years, takes over from Kraigg Brathwaite, who stepped down from the role in March.

Backing Chase will be left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican, named as the team’s new vice-captain. Interestingly, Shai Hope was initially approached for the job, but the white-ball skipper turned it down, choosing not to take on the added burden of leading in all three formats. Cricket West Indies revealed that several regulars were considered for the role, with the shortlist including John Campbell, Tevin Imlach, Joshua Da Silva, Justin Greaves, Chase, and Warrican. Each candidate went through a thorough vetting process—complete with psychometric tests to assess leadership style and interviews to gauge their cricketing acumen, communication skills, and approach to team culture.

“The final recommendation was based on a weighted scoring system across six key areas: leadership, respect within the team, cricket knowledge, personal conduct, media and communication skills, and the results of the psychometric evaluation. The top-ranked candidates were recommended as captain and vice-captain and subsequently approved by the CWI Board,” Cricket West Indies said in a statement. Head Coach Daren Sammy gave Chase a ringing endorsement: “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.”

Chase brings a solid amount of experience with him—49 Tests, 2265 runs at an average of 26.33, five centuries, and 85 wickets. His standout moment with the ball came against England in Bridgetown back in 2019, when he picked up 8 for 60.

His first task as captain will not be an easy one—leading the Windies in a three-match home Test series against Australia, which also marks the start of the new World Test Championship cycle. Fittingly, the first Test is in Bridgetown, Barbados—Chase’s home ground—and it’ll be his 50th appearance in the format since debuting in 2016.