Chase Humbled to Captain West Indies, Acknowledges Storied Legacy

BARBADOS: Roston Chase, the newly appointed Test captain for the West Indies, has conveyed his profound appreciation for being entrusted with such a prestigious and historically significant position in cricket.

In a recent interview, Chase expressed his deep respect for predecessors like Frank Worrell, Garfield Sobers, Clive Lloyd, and Viv Richards—iconic captains who defined an era of West Indian dominance in the sport.

Chase affirmed his preparedness to embrace the responsibilities inherent in the captaincy. He recognized the position’s substantial legacy and the emotional significance of leading the team.

“To captain the West Indies is a privilege, carrying a rich legacy. Playing for the West Indies is my ultimate aspiration, so I am ready to fulfill all duties that come with this role,” he stated.

The 33-year-old all-rounder, with 49 Test appearances, recounted a crucial juncture in his early career when his mother challenged him to prove his viability as a professional cricketer within two years.

“I was attending the University of West Indies (UWI) Cave Hill and frequently needed leave to participate in competitions. At that time, I wasn’t a regular in the Barbados team. My mother encouraged me but stipulated that I had two years to secure my place in the Barbados team or return to full-time education,” Chase recalled.

Ultimately, his dedication to cricket prevailed, turning his mother’s challenge into a key source of motivation.

“My passion for cricket surpassed my love for academics. Although I was a capable student, cricket was my true calling. I dedicated myself to hard work, and I am grateful for her challenge, which propelled me to elevate my cricket,” he elaborated.

Chase also acknowledged his father’s steadfast support as vital to his development, noting his presence at games and the constructive feedback provided afterward.

“He consistently attended my matches and offered insightful feedback, identifying areas for improvement and providing guidance on best practices,” he concluded.

Despite not playing a Test match since March 2023, Chase’s appointment as captain followed the announcement by Cricket West Indies.

Notably, the West Indies are slated to participate in just 13 Test matches during the 2025–27 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. Furthermore, a non-WTC Test against Afghanistan is scheduled for 2027. Chase’s inaugural assignment as Test captain will be a three-match home series against Australia, commencing on June 25 in Bridgetown.