Barbados’ pride! PM Mottley hails Roston Chase’s rise to West Indies Test captain

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – With a voice rich in pride and reverence for the legacy of Caribbean cricket, Prime Minister Mia Mottley hailed the elevation of Roston Chase to West Indies Test captain as a “historic moment” for Barbados and the region.

The 33-year-old all-rounder was officially named captain by Cricket West Indies (CWI) following a competitive and thorough selection process in which he emerged ahead of five other candidates.

Chase, who takes over from fellow Barbadian Kraigg Brathwaite, now becomes the 10th Barbadian to lead the West Indies in Test cricket. His appointment also underscores an unprecedented moment in regional sport—all senior West Indies teams are currently under Barbadian leadership: Shai Hope for the white-ball teams, Hayley Matthews for the women’s squad, and now Roston Chase for the Test side.

A historic lineage of leadership

In a powerful written tribute, Mottley connected Chase’s appointment to a rich continuum of Barbadian cricketing leadership, spanning nearly a century—from the elegant stylings of Teddy Hoad to the revolutionary legacy of Frank Worrell.

“Today, we witness history. Roston Chase, a humble son of the soil, is now the 10th Barbadian to captain the West Indies team — an extraordinary milestone not just for him, but for every Barbadian who believes in discipline, dignity, and quiet determination.”

She went on to recount the icons who shaped the narrative of West Indies cricket—Sir Garry Sobers, Clyde Walcott, Desmond Haynes, Jason Holder, and more—noting how each brought distinct leadership at critical moments in regional history.

“From Teddy Hoad in 1929 during the inaugural home Test against England, to Frank Worrell, the first black man to captain the West Indies in a full series. He was a transformative figure for our region. To Garry Sobers, one of our two living national heroes and the greatest cricketer the world has ever seen. Clyde Walcott, one of the immortal Three Ws. Desmond Haynes, steady and reliable at the helm, who served as an ODI captain.”

“We remember too Floyd Reifer, called to lead during a time of great challenge in 2009 when a players’ strike left a void — and it was to Barbados the region turned, because Barbados has always shown leadership, and dependability.”

“Then came the commanding presence of Jason Holder, the dogged resilience of Kraigg Brathwaite, and the finesse of Shai Hope, who is currently the captain of both white ball teams. And let us not forget Hayley Matthews, the dynamic captain of the West Indies Women’s team, whose fearless leadership and all-round brilliance continue to inspire a new generation of women and girls across the Caribbean.”

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Roston Chase: The quiet storm

For Prime Minister Mottley, Chase’s appointment is about more than runs or wickets—it’s a reward for unshakeable commitment and humility. She lauded the man behind the statistics: a player defined by grit rather than glory.

“Roston Chase stands tall among these giants. Not a flashy player, but one who quietly goes about his work. A man of effort, of persistence, of belief. In many ways, he represents the best of who we are — working hard, staying grounded, and trusting that reward comes not with noise, but with resolve.”

Indeed, since making his Test debut in 2016, Chase has built a career on dependable performances and a work ethic that reflects the best of Barbadian values. For Mottley, this appointment is both a personal triumph for Chase and a collective victory for a culture of excellence.

“And what a story Barbados continues to write: three West Indies Test captains, back-to-back-to-back. That is no coincidence. That is character. That is commitment. That is the culture of cricket in this country.”

Gratitude to those who shaped a leader

Prime Minister Mottley also extended heartfelt thanks to the pillars behind Chase’s journey—his schools, his mentors, and above all, his family.

“To Wesley Hall and Combermere, schools that have helped nurture him, I say — thank you. To the coaches, at every level, who poured into him — thank you. To Roston’s parents, Margaret and Radcliffe, who have stood by him through every run, every spell, and every challenge — thank you for allowing your son to blossom. And to Roston himself — thank you, for being in this moment.”

Roston Chase now steps onto the pitch not just with bat and ball—but with the weight of legacy, the faith of a nation, and the hopes of a generation. His quiet resolve has brought him to the summit of West Indies cricket—and Barbados proudly stands behind him.