The West Indies men’s Test team has a new captain, with seasoned all-rounder Roston Chase officially appointed as skipper, Cricket West Indies (CWI) announced on Friday, 16 May. This leadership change comes nearly two months after Kraigg Brathwaite stepped down from the role. Jomel Warrican has been named the vice-captain of the side.
John Campbell, Tevin Imlach, Joshua Da Silva, and Justin Greaves were also in contention for the leadership role, but ultimately, it was Chase who got the nod.
Brathwaite relinquished the captaincy in March, following the West Indies’ 1-1 Test series draw against Pakistan. With limited alternatives available, CWI has turned to Chase to guide the side forward.
“Roston Chase has been named the new West Indies Test captain. The CWI Board of Directors unanimously approved the appointment during its meeting on 16 May 2025. Congratulations, Roston – the West Indies are behind you!” read the official statement.
Chase, who last featured in a Test match in 2023, brings considerable experience to the role. Since making his debut in July 2016, he has played 49 Test matches, amassing 2,265 runs at an average of 26.33, including five centuries. With the ball, he has been an effective contributor, notably recording exceptional figures of 8 for 60 against England in Barbados in 2019—one of the finest performances by a West Indian spinner in Test cricket.
Big Responsibility on Chase’s shoulders
Beyond the red-ball format, Chase has also worn the maroon in both ODIs and T20Is. He made his ODI debut against Afghanistan in June 2017 and entered the T20I scene during the 2021 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
As the newly appointed Test skipper, Chase will lead the West Indies in their upcoming three-match series against Australia, beginning on 25 June in Bridgetown. The series also marks the team’s opening campaign in the 2025–27 ICC World Test Championship. After which, he will lead his team to India for the two-match Test series.