Roston Chase named new West Indies Test captain

ST JOHN’S, Antigua (AP):

ALL-ROUNDER ROSTON Chase was named the West Indies Test captain yesterday, even though he hasn’t played that format in more than two years.

The 33-year-old Chase replaces 32-year-old Kraigg Brathwaite, who resigned from the job in March after three years.

Chase will lead West Indies in three home Tests against Australia in June and July. The first Test in Bridgetown on Chase’s home island of Barbados will also be his 50th since his Test debut in 2016.

The 1.96-metre (6-foot-5) off-spinner has taken 85 wickets at an economy rate of 3.45, and as a middle-order bat has scored more than 2,200 runs at an average of 26, including five hundreds.

His best bowling figures are 8-60 against England in the second innings of a 381-run win in 2019 at his Bridgetown home ground.

Chase was shortlisted for the captaincy with John Campbell, Tevin Imlach, Joshua Da Silva, Justin Greaves and Jomel Warrican. Shai Hope, the one-day and Twenty20 captain, declined to be considered.

West Indies officials said they conducted detailed assessments of tactical approach, leadership style, communication skills and behavioru before choosing Chase.

“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,” coach Daren Sammy said in a statement. “I urge fans across the region to rally behind him – we’re building something special.”

Chase will have fellow Barbadian Warrican as his vice captain.

The 32-year-old left-arm spinner has played 19 Test matches and taken 73 wickets at an economy rate at 3.05.

He starred with both bat and ball on the tour of Pakistan in January, helping the visitors register their first Test win on Pakistan soil in over 30 years on their way to tying the series 1-1.

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

CWI president, Dr Kishore Shallow, praised the integrity and innovation of the method used to select the candidates for the position.

“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,” Dr Shallow said.