Allrounder Roston Chase has been appointed the new captain of the West Indies Test team, with left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican named as his deputy.
The Cricket West Indies (CWI) Board of Directors unanimously approved the appointments during a meeting today (May 16).
The leadership change follows the recent resignation of long-standing Test captain Kraigg Brathwaite. For Chase, 33, the captaincy marks a significant return to the Test squad, having last played the format in March 2023 against South Africa in Johannesburg.
Chase’s first assignment at the helm will be a three-match home series against Australia, which also signals the start of the West Indies’ new World Test Championship cycle.
The opening Test is scheduled to begin on June 25 at Kensington Oval in Barbados.
Cricket West Indies highlighted that the appointments resulted from a comprehensive and data-informed selection process.
This new framework, aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability, evaluated a shortlist of candidates including John Campbell, Tevin Imlach, Joshua Da Silva, Justin Greaves, Roston Chase, and Jomel Warrican based on factors such as leadership qualities, experience, and a detailed assessment process involving psychometric testing and structured interviews.
Shai Hope, the current white-ball captain, was considered but respectfully declined the opportunity to focus on his existing leadership roles. The interview panel comprised Head Coach Daren Sammy, Director of Cricket Miles Bascombe, and Chairman of the Cricket Strategy and Officiating Committee, Enoch Lewis.
The final decision 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. Chase and Warrican emerged as the top-ranked candidates from this process.
CWI President Dr. Kishore Shallow lauded the new selection approach: “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.”
Head Coach Daren Sammy expressed his full 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.”
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