Barbadian cricket journalist and broadcaster Andrew Mason is reporting that Roston Chase, the experienced Barbadian middle-order batsman and all-rounder, is poised to be named the new Test captain of the West Indies cricket team.

According to Mason, following interviews with several candidates including Kevin Sinclair, Joshua Da Silva, John Campbell, Jamal Walker, and Justin Greaves, Chase has emerged as the choice of the selection panel. Mason revealed that the board of directors of Cricket West Indies (CWI) is scheduled to meet on May 16 to ratify the appointment, which is expected to be a formality. A press conference has been scheduled for Friday in Barbados, where the official announcement is expected to be made.

Chase, 33, made his Test debut in July 2016 against India at North Sound, Antigua. In just his second Test, he delivered a match-defining performance, scoring a century and claiming a maiden five-wicket haul, showcasing his all-round prowess against a strong Indian attack. That performance cemented his place in the side and remains one of the most memorable debut series for a West Indies cricketer in recent years.

Over the course of his career, Chase has featured in 49 Tests, scoring 2,265 runs at an average of 26.33, with five centuries to his name. His bowling contributions have also been significant, with standout performances such as his 8 for 60 against England in Barbados in January 2019, one of the best innings figures by a West Indian spinner in Test history.

He has also represented the West Indies in ODIs and T20Is, making his ODI debut in June 2017 against Afghanistan, and his T20I debut at the 2021 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Most recently, Chase was named in the squad for the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

If confirmed, Chase will take over the reins of the Test team from Kraigg Brathwaite, ushering in a new era for West Indies cricket. His leadership will be closely watched as the team looks to regain its standing in the longest format of the game.