In a decision that has sent ripples through the cricketing world, Cricket West Indies (CWI) has appointed Roston Chase as the new Test captain, marking an extraordinary comeback for the 33-year-old all-rounder who hasn’t played a Test match in over two years . The Barbados-born player takes over from Kraigg Brathwaite, who stepped down in March after three years at the helm .

The Remarkable Comeback Story

Chase’s appointment is particularly noteworthy given his prolonged absence from the Test arena. Since his last appearance against South Africa in Johannesburg in March 2023, West Indies have played 13 Tests without him . His return will coincide with his 50th Test cap when he leads the team at his home ground, Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, against Australia on June 25 .

The Rigorous Selection Process

CWI implemented what president Dr. Kishore Shallow described as “one of the most comprehensive and forward-thinking” selection processes in West Indies cricket history . The board shortlisted six candidates: Chase, John Campbell, Tevin Imlach, Joshua Da Silva, Justin Greaves, and eventual vice-captain Jomel Warrican .

Notably, white-ball captain Shai Hope declined consideration to focus on his limited-overs leadership duties . The selection panel comprising head coach Daren Sammy, Director of Cricket Miles Bascombe, and Cricket Strategy Committee chairman Enoch Lewis subjected candidates to:

The Challenges Ahead

Chase inherits a West Indies Test team ranked eighth in the world, facing the top-ranked Australians in his first series . His immediate challenges include:

• Rebuilding his own Test credentials after a batting average decline from 48.53 in his first 10 Tests to 20.95 in his last 34 innings
• Forming an effective spin partnership with vice-captain Warrican, who took 19 wickets in West Indies’ recent Pakistan Tests
• Navigating the new World Test Championship cycle starting with Australia