West Indies Men’s Test Head Coach Daren Sammy has voiced strong support for the appointment of Roston Chase as the new Test captain, emphasizing the structured, data-driven process that led to the decision.
Chase was selected after an in-depth evaluation of both on-field performance and off-field leadership. The selection process began with a six-player shortlist: Roston Chase, John Campbell, Tevin Imlach, Joshua Da Silva, Justin Greaves, and Jomel Warrican. Notably, Shai Hope, who captains the ODI and T20I squads, opted out to focus on his current leadership responsibilities.
Comprehensive evaluation behind Chase’s selection
Each candidate underwent psychometric testing to assess leadership traits and team fit. Structured interviews followed, focusing on tactical awareness, communication, and team culture. The final selection was made using a weighted scoring system across six criteria:
- Leadership
- Team respect
- Cricket knowledge
- Personal conduct
- Media and communication skills
- Psychometric performance
Sammy praises Chase’s leadership evolution
Daren Sammy, who served on the interview panel alongside Director of Cricket Miles Bascombe and Chairman of the Cricket Strategy and Officiating Committee Enoch Lewis, praised both the selection process and the result.
“The manner in which he got to the position, I truly enjoy the process that was followed,” said Sammy during a Cricket West Indies (CWI) media briefing announcing Chase’s appointment.
Sammy also noted Chase’s leadership consistency over the last four years, referencing their shared time at the St. Lucia Kings in the CPL and within the West Indies white-ball squads.
“That process brought us to Roston… the leadership that he’s showed in the dressing room and on the field and the attention to detail—it showed why he’s been vice-captain for a few of our teams at different periods,” Sammy said.
Confidence in Chase’s ability under pressure
Sammy also emphasized Chase’s calm demeanor and tactical intelligence as critical traits for the team’s upcoming challenges.
“I’m quite happy with what the process gave us and I know, as challenging as the road is ahead, I have a soldier who is calm under pressure and tactically sound and I’m looking forward to working with him,” he added.
The West Indies Test team will now look to Chase for leadership stability and cricketing insight as they build towards future campaigns.
