[UPDATED] Roston Chase named new West Indies Test captain

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Yesterday

BARBADIAN all-rounder Roston Chase has been appointed captain of the West Indies Test team.

This was confirmed in a Cricket West Indies (CWI) media release on May 16 after multiple online news agencies reported on Chase’s appointment, hours before it was officially announced.

Chase, 33, leads West Indies, ranked eighth on the ICC Men’s Test Team world rankings, on his first assignment against current world number one Australia, in June.

Countryman Jomel Warrican was appointed vice-captain. The appointments were unanimously approved by the CWI board of directors during its meeting held on May 16.

“This announcement follows the completion of a groundbreaking, robust and structured process to evaluate and recommend the next captain and vice-captain of the West Indies Test team,” the CWI statement said.

The decision to appoint Chase as captain came after former maroon Test skipper Kraigg Brathwaite stepped down after three years at the helm.

On Chase and Warrican’s selection, CWI said it recognises the, “critical role of leadership in shaping team culture, driving performance, and ensuring long-term success,” and has, “adopted a data-informed, multi-dimensional framework to guide the selection.”

The selection process began with a shortlist of candidates selected based on factors including Test experience, leadership qualities and captaincy credentials. The shortlisted players included John Campbell, Tevin Imlach, Joshua Da Silva, Justin Greaves, Chase and Warrican.

Shai Hope, current ODI and T20I captain, respectfully declined consideration to focus on his existing leadership roles.

Each applicant underwent a comprehensive evaluation process that involved psychometric assessments to analyse their leadership approach, behavioural traits and overall fit for the position, the statement read.

They participated in structured interviews to assess their tactical thinking, communication abilities and alignment with team culture.

The interview panel was composed of head coach Daren Sammy, CWI director of cricket Miles Bascombe and Enoch Lewis, who serves as chairman of the cricket strategy and officiating committee.

“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,” it added.

The top-ranked candidates were recommended as captain and vice-captain and subsequently approved by the CWI board.

CWI president Dr Kishore Shallow praised the integrity and innovation of the selection process.

“This selection process is one of the most comprehensive and forward-thinking we have undertaken. 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,” Shallow said. Head coach Daren Sammy also expressed his strong support for the new captain.

“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,” said Sammy.

The statement described Chase and Warrican’s appointments as a, “clear strategic direction for the Test team, reinforcing team culture and positioning the West Indies to compete more effectively on the global stage.”

CWI said it sees this process as a model for future captaincy appointments across all formats.

CWI also commended all candidates for their “professionalism and commitment throughout the process” and looks forward to the positive impact this new leadership approach will have on the continued resurgence of West Indies cricket.

Chase’s first outing as captain will be the “WI Home: Full Ah Energy” home series against Australia, with the first match at Kensington Oval in Barbados on June 25.

This story has been adjusted to include additional details. See original post below.

BARBADIAN all-rounder Roston Chase has been appointed captain of the West Indies Test team.

This was confirmed in a Cricket West Indies (CWI) statement on May 14 after multiple online news agencies reported on Chase’s appointment, hours before it was officially announced.

Chase, 33, leads West Indies, ranked eighth on the ICC Men’s Test Team world rankings, on his first assignment against current world number one Australia, in June.

Countryman Jomel Warrican was appointed vice-captain. The appointments were unanimously approved by the CWI board of directors during its meeting held on May 16.

The decision to appoint Chase as captain came after former maroon Test skipper Kraigg Brathwaite stepped down after three years at the helm.

The selection process began with a shortlist of candidates selected based on factors including Test experience, leadership qualities, and captaincy credentials. The shortlisted players included: John Campbell, Tevin Imlach, Joshua Da Silva, Justin Greaves, Chase, and Warrican.