Roston Chase Reflects on His Journey to West Indies Test Captaincy
Roston Chase's Path to Leadership
Roston Chase, recently appointed as the captain of the West Indies Test team, shared how an ultimatum from his mother during his early career became a significant motivator, propelling his cricketing journey to new heights.
Just days ago, Chase was named the skipper after Shai Hope decided to withdraw from the captaincy race, choosing to concentrate on his shorter format commitments.
Mother's Ultimatum as a Catalyst
Chase, who now joins the ranks of legendary captains like Frank Worrell and Viv Richards, reflected on his early days at 18 when he aspired to join the Barbados team.
At that time, he was a student at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Cave Hill, frequently taking leaves to participate in first-class matches without being a regular in the Barbados lineup. His mother encouraged him but set a two-year deadline for him to secure a spot on the team or return to school full-time.
"I was passionate about cricket over academics. Although I excelled in my studies, cricket was my true passion. I worked diligently, and I am thankful for that ultimatum, as it was a crucial driving force in elevating my cricketing career," Chase remarked.
Acknowledging His Father's Support
The 33-year-old cricketer, with 49 Test matches to his name, also credited his father for his success, stating, "He attended all my matches and provided valuable insights on areas for improvement and the essential dos and don'ts of the game."
Chase acknowledged the historical significance of captaining the West Indies, especially considering the team's dominance in Test cricket during the 1980s.
"Being the captain of the West Indies is an incredible honor, and it carries a legacy. Representing the West Indies is immensely meaningful to me, and I am prepared for the responsibilities that come with this role," he expressed.
The West Indies are set to play 13 matches in the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) cycle from 2025 to 2027. Chase's inaugural series as captain will be a three-match home Test series against Australia, commencing on June 25 in Bridgetown.