Ian Bishop Questions Roston Chase's Form Ahead of West Indies' Future Tests

Former West Indies cricketer Ian Bishop has voiced concerns regarding the performance of Test captain Roston Chase, who has struggled significantly with both bat and ball. With a dismal batting average and poor bowling figures, Chase's future in the team is uncertain as the West Indies prepare for their next Test series. Bishop emphasizes the need for better development of young batters in the Caribbean, suggesting that the issues extend beyond just Chase's captaincy. The team's overall poor performance in Test cricket adds to the pressure on Chase, who has only one win in ten matches this year. As the team looks ahead, they have a crucial period to assess Chase's capabilities and the future of West Indies cricket.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 30, 2025, 21:23 IST

Concerns Over Roston Chase's Performance

Ian Bishop, a former West Indies cricketer and current commentator, has expressed his concerns regarding the performance of West Indies Test captain Roston Chase. Bishop is puzzled by Chase's significant decline in form after a promising start to his red-ball career, noting that the team has 'five or six months' to evaluate his position as a batter.

Chase's Struggles in 2023

This year has been particularly challenging for Chase, who recorded one of the worst batting averages for a Test captain. He managed to score only 221 runs across eight Tests and 16 innings, resulting in a dismal average of 13.81, with his highest score being just 44. The only captain with a lower average in a calendar year is Bangladesh's Khaled Mahmud, who averaged 11.82 in 2003.

Declining Performance Since 2020

Chase's initial years from 2016 to 2019 were more fruitful, where he accumulated 1,695 runs in 32 Tests at an average of 31.38, including five centuries and seven fifties. However, since 2020, his performance has sharply declined, with only 791 runs in 25 Tests and a significantly reduced average of 16.47, along with just four fifties in 48 innings.

Bowling Woes for the All-Rounder

The 33-year-old's bowling has also suffered, as he has taken only nine wickets in eight Tests this year, averaging 70.66, with best figures of 2/36. These statistics are more akin to a developing batter than a seasoned all-rounder.

Bishop's Insights and Future Prospects

In a recent interview on iSports i95.5 FM, Bishop remarked on Chase's struggles, stating, 'It bemuses me that a guy who can score five Test match hundreds in his first 20 matches is now finding it hard to put together decent innings.' He emphasized that the West Indies have a crucial period ahead to assess whether Chase can maintain his spot in the team.

Broader Issues in Batter Development

Bishop highlighted that the challenges extend beyond Chase's captaincy, pointing out the need for better development of batters in the Caribbean. He stressed the importance of nurturing young talent to avoid constant changes in leadership and coaching without achieving desired results.

Team's Struggles Complicate Chase's Situation

The West Indies' overall poor performance in Test cricket has further complicated Chase's situation, as he lacks a strong win-loss record to justify his place. This year, the team has played ten Tests, winning only one against Pakistan, while losing eight and drawing one. They currently sit at the bottom of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 standings, with no wins in eight matches.