BRIDGETOWN, Barbados — Underneath the golden Caribbean solar, the place boys dream of cricket glory, one younger man rose above the remaining. Now, standing tall at 6-foot-5, Roston Chase prepares to step onto the storied turf of Kensington Oval, not simply as a participant — however because the thirty eighth captain of the West Indies Take a look at workforce.
At 33, Chase embraces a calling he by no means chased — however now totally owns. His debut as skipper comes in opposition to none aside from world number-one Australia, in a collection opener that might mark the start of a daring new chapter for West Indies cricket.
Future calls: “Born to guide”
His management wasn’t born from ambition — it advanced from service and sacrifice.
“I all the time had management expertise, however I didn’t see myself as a captain early on. My dream was simply to play and win for the West Indies. However as you develop, you perceive the load of this function and the legacy it carries.”
That legacy has been constructed brick by brick. Chase first surprised the world in 2016 with an unforgettable century and five-wicket haul in opposition to India — a uncommon feat that positioned him in an elite class of West Indian greats. Since then, he’s added 4 centuries and devastating bowling spells, together with a career-best 8 for 60 in opposition to England, cementing his standing as a match-winner on each fronts.
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Stress? He’s performed by means of worse
Management is acquainted territory, not in title, however in temperament. As a younger cricketer recent off his first-class debut for Barbados, Chase confronted an ultimatum from his mom: show your value in two years — or head again to school full-time.
“Cricket was my love, so I fought more durable.”
Backed by a quietly decided father on the sidelines and the skilled mentorship of coach Henderson Springer, Chase sharpened his ability set — refining his batting, evolving his spin, and most significantly, studying methods to lead by instance.
A brand new period of West Indies cricket
As captain, Chase’s method is grounded in unity, progress, and delight — not simply chasing wins, however constructing one thing lasting.
“I simply need to have enjoyable, play arduous, and produce out one of the best in one another. I would like us to win greater than we lose, however greater than that, I would like us to develop as cricketers and as males.”
He takes over a workforce at a crossroads — stuffed with promise, looking for consistency — and he brings to the function not simply ability and stature, however a peaceful, cerebral command that might regular the ship in turbulent waters.
This isn’t simply one other captaincy. It’s a second of symbolic renewal for a proud cricketing tradition. With a pointy thoughts, an all-rounder’s grit, and a frontrunner’s coronary heart, Roston Chase steps ahead not solely to captain a workforce — however to encourage a area.
