Roston Chase Named West Indies Test Captain Ahead of New WTC Cycle

In a major leadership shift, Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced Roston Chase as the new Test captain of the West Indies men’s team, ahead of their home series against Australia in June 2025. The two-match series will mark the beginning of the 2025–27 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle for both nations. Jomel Warrican has been named as Chase’s deputy.

The CWI Board of Directors unanimously approved the appointments during its meeting held on May 16, 2025, following a “groundbreaking, robust and structured process” to determine the leadership roles for the red-ball format. The board emphasized that the evaluation included a data-informed, multi-dimensional framework aimed at bringing transparency and accountability to modern captaincy appointments.

This marks a new chapter in West Indies cricket, as Chase replaces Kraigg Brathwaite, who stepped down from the leadership role earlier this year. The 33-year-old Chase, who last featured in a Test over two years ago, brings both experience and composure to the captaincy role. He has played 49 Tests, scored 2,265 runs at an average of 26.33, and registered five centuries. As an off-spinner, he has also contributed significantly with 85 Test wickets, including a career-best 8/60 against England in 2019.

The selection process included several contenders: John Campbell, Tevin Imlach, Joshua Da Silva, Justin Greaves, Roston Chase, and Jomel Warrican. Each candidate was assessed on criteria such as Test match experience, leadership acumen, and strategic potential.

Interestingly, Shai Hope, the current captain in ODIs and T20Is, declined consideration for the Test captaincy to concentrate on his existing responsibilities in white-ball cricket.

Head coach Daren Sammy expressed his full confidence in Chase’s leadership:

“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.”

With this leadership transition, West Indies will be hoping to revitalize their Test campaign and begin the new WTC cycle with renewed direction and unity under Roston Chase’s guidance.