Roston Chase last played a Test for the West Indies against South Africa in Johannesburg in 2023. When he takes the field for the Windies against Australia in Bridgetown on Wednesday, the Bajan will do so as the captain of the team.
Chase admits that despite yearning for a Test recall since he was dropped a couple of years ago, the chances looked slim. He even turned down the opportunity to make a comeback in 2024, opting to focus on his white-ball career.
“At the time [2024], I was still finding my feet and trying to get into franchise leagues. I wasn’t quite ready. But after a conversation with coach [Darren] Sammy and Miles Bascombe [Director of Cricket], I decided this was the right time for me to come back,” the 33-year-old said in a conversation facilitated by Fancode, the official broadcaster for the upcoming series.
“It was a very proud moment for me when I got the [captaincy] news. It’s a prestigious job, one that many greats before me have done,” he added.
Chase takes over the reins from Kraigg Brathwaite, who led from the front in his eight years as captain, scoring 2,348 runs in 39 matches. Despite a few memorable results along the way, the team has failed to impress since the advent of the World Test Championship, finishing eighth on the points table in each of the last three cycles.
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Chase says the goals for the next cycle, which begins with the home series against Australia, have to be ‘realistic’. The Windies host Australia, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka and will travel to New Zealand, India, and Bangladesh over the next two years.
“We looked at the schedule, and we have 14 games in the two-year cycle. We will be looking to finish somewhere near the top six. To do that, we have to win at least six or five of those games and probably draw two or three games,” the skipper explained.
Despite limited experience in leading teams during his career thus far, Chase is confident he can bring out the best in his players.
“I’ve never captained a senior team—West Indies or Barbados. I’m still learning, but I have a calm style. I know how to bring out the best in the players that I have. So it’s just something that I’m looking forward to doing at the highest level,” the all-rounder said.
A home series against the WTC finalist will be a baptism of fire for the new captain, but Chase says his team will not shy away from a fight.
“Cricket is a game of glorious uncertainties. You never know what’s going to happen. We’re just going to go out there and give our best and play some hard, tough cricket,” he said.
“I want my guys to play confident and positive cricket. I think we have to evolve with the game as well. If we could come out and express ourselves in that fashion, I think that would be good for our cricket,” he added.
With the pitches in the Caribbean on the slower side, Chase, the off-spinner, who has 85 wickets in 49 matches, will play a crucial role to help Chase, the captain, take down the mighty Aussies.