Roston Chase has been named the new captain of the West Indies Test team, following a rigorous and modernised selection process implemented by Cricket West Indies (CWI).
Jomel Warrican will serve as Vice-Captain. The appointments, approved unanimously by the CWI Board of Directors on Thursday, come ahead of the upcoming home Test series against Australia in June.
The selection represents a historic shift in CWI’s approach to leadership appointments, described as “groundbreaking, robust and structured,” and was guided by a data-informed, multi-dimensional framework. According to CWI, the process aimed to ensure greater transparency, accountability, and alignment with contemporary cricketing standards.
Candidates were shortlisted based on Test experience, leadership capabilities, and past captaincy roles. Those considered included John Campbell, Tevin Imlach, Joshua Da Silva, Justin Greaves, Roston Chase, and Jomel Warrican.
Shai Hope, who currently captains the ODI and T20I sides, declined to be considered in order to focus on his present duties.
Each candidate underwent psychometric testing and participated in structured interviews assessing tactical insight, communication skills, and team values. The interview panel featured Head Coach Daren Sammy, Director of Cricket Miles Bascombe, and Enoch Lewis, Chairman of the Cricket Strategy and Officiating Committee.
A weighted scoring system measured performance in six key areas: leadership, peer respect, cricket knowledge, conduct, communication, and psychometric results. Chase and Warrican emerged as the top-ranked candidates.
CWI President Dr. Kishore Shallow commended the integrity of the process, saying:
“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 echoed this support, stating:
“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.
The decision reflects a strategic push to solidify team culture and improve performance on the international stage. CWI also intends to use this model for future captaincy appointments in other format
Chase’s first match as Test captain will be the opening game of the “WI Home: Full Ah Energy” series against Australia, beginning June 25 at Kensington Oval in Barbados.
nationnews.com
