“WE’RE building something special.” That is how West Indies coach Daren Sammy described the appointment of veteran all-rounder Roston Chase as the new Test captain—a move signalling a bold new chapter in Caribbean cricket leadership. Chase replaces Kraigg Brathwaite, who resigned the post in March after leading the side in 39 matches. Under Brathwaite’s leadership, the regional team won ten Tests, lost 22 and drew seven. Chase will be joined at the helm by left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican, who has been named vice-captain. The leadership duo will take charge for the upcoming home series against Australia, beginning June 25 at Kensington Oval in Barbados. Their appointments were unanimously approved by the Cricket West Indies (CWI) Board of Directors yesterday. Head coach Sammy, who was instrumental in the process, gave a ringing endorsement of the new leadership duo. “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,” Sammy said. “I urge fans across the region to rally behind him.” The all-rounder has played 49 Tests, but his most recent appearance in the longest format for the “Men in Maroon” was against South Africa more than two years ago. The 33-year-old has scored 2,265 runs, averaging 26.33, including five centuries, and has taken 85 wickets with his off-spin at an average of 46. Chase’s elevation to the helm of the Test team comes at the end of what Cricket West Indies is calling a groundbreaking and data-driven selection process, one designed to bring transparency, accountability, and modern standards to leadership appointments. Recognising the critical role of leadership in shaping team culture, driving performance, and ensuring long-term success, CWI adopted a data-informed, multi-dimensional framework to guide the selection. “This marks a significant evolution in how leadership appointments are made, aimed at strengthening accountability, transparency, and alignment with modern cricketing standards,” CWI stated via a media release yesterday. The process began with a shortlist of candidates selected based on factors including Test experience, leadership qualities, and captaincy credentials. The shortlisted players included; John Campbell, Tevin Imlach, Joshua Da Silva, Justin Greaves, Roston Chase and Jomel Warrican. Shai Hope, the current ODI and T20I captain, declined consideration to focus on his existing leadership roles. Each candidate underwent a detailed assessment that featured psychometric testing, structured interviews, and scoring across six key areas; leadership, respect within the team, cricket knowledge, personal conduct, media and communication skills, and psychological profile. The interview panel consisted of Sammy, director of cricket Miles Bascombe, and chairman of the Cricket Strategy and Officiating Committee Enoch Lewis. Their final recommendations were submitted to—and endorsed by—the CWI board. CWI president Dr Kishore Shallow praised the initiative as a watershed moment: “This selection process is one of the most comprehensive and forward-thinking we have undertaken. It sets a new benchmark for leadership appointments in West Indies cricket.”