Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced the appointment of Roston Chase as West Indies Test Captain for the upcoming home series versus Australia in June, with Jomel Warrican named as vice-captain.
The appointments were unanimously approved by the CWI Board of Directors during its meeting held on Friday.
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.
Recognizing the critical role of leadership in shaping team culture, driving performance, and ensuring long-term success, CWI adopted a data-informed, multi-dimensional framework to guide the selection.
This marks a significant evolution in how leadership appointments are made, aimed at strengthening accountability, transparency, and alignment with modern cricketing standards.
The 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, Roston Chase, and Jomel Warrican.
Shai Hope, the current ODI and T20I captain, respectfully declined consideration to focus on his existing leadership roles.
Each candidate went through a detailed assessment process that included psychometric testing to evaluate leadership style, behavior, and overall suitability for the role, as well as structured interviews focused on tactical approach, communication skills, and team culture.
The interview panel consisted of Head Coach Daren Sammy, Director of Cricket Miles Bascombe, and Chairman of the Cricket Strategy and Officiating Committee, Enoch Lewis.
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 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.”
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.”
These appointments signal 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 also sees this process as a model for future captaincy appointments across all formats.
Chase, 33, has featured in 49 Tests, scoring 2,265 runs at an average of 26.33, with five centuries to his name. His bowling contributions have also been significant, with standout performances such as his 8 for 60 against England in Barbados in January 2019, one of the best innings figures by a West Indian spinner in Test history.
His 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, 2025.
