The West Indies were known for Test cricket in the 1970s and ’80s — probably the only team in the world that scared opponents with the red ball. Their bowling attack had a fearsome group of Andy Roberts, Michael Holding (called “Whispering Death”), Joel Garner, and Colin Croft, with the fiery Malcolm Marshall also making it stronger.

There were also great batsmen like Vivian Richards, Gordon Greenidge, and Desmond Haynes, who were as ruthless as the fast bowlers. At the head of the team was the strong and commanding Clive Lloyd.

From Glory to Decline

Even through the 1990s, the West Indies remained a strong team. Brian Lara became the face of Caribbean cricket, while Curtly Ambrose and Courtney Walsh carried on the legacy of the island’s fearsome fast bowlers.

But in the 2000s, things changed. The West Indies lost their dominance in Test cricket, even though they did better in limited-overs games. Their cricket system began to fail, affecting players’ earnings. With the rise of franchise cricket, mainly in India and then worldwide, Caribbean players became very popular. Many stars started choosing franchise teams over the iconic maroon jersey of the West Indies.

Recently, their performance against India in the Ahmedabad Test was worrying. India won by an innings and 140 runs in just two-and-a-half days. Roston Chase’s team had not even recovered when Lara criticized Cricket West Indies, questioning the players’ intent.

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Sammy Speaks on Legacy and Financial Struggles

“If you want to get things done, you need the resources to do it. But more importantly, I want to ask Roston Chase and the others: do they have cricket at heart? Do they really want to play for the West Indies? That is the most important,” Lara said during the CEAT Cricket Rating awards.

West Indies coach Darren Sammy responded to Lara’s comment. Sammy said the West Indies shaped world cricket from the 1970s to the 1990s but never got the financial rewards like countries such as India.

“Today, everyone leans towards the way we play now. But if we look at the impact West Indies had in international cricket, I think we deserve what we ask for,” Sammy said.

“The team of Vivian Richards inspired generations, even here in India. We played long Test series, entertaining the world, while others benefited financially. We need those resources to grow and move forward. We deserve that because of our impact,” he added.

Chase’s Pride and Vision for Change

Money is important, but mindset matters more. Captain Roston Chase, who chose country over franchise cricket, is proud to wear the maroon jersey and believes change is possible.

“We had a team event yesterday, and I spoke with Lara and Viv Richards. They told me to keep believing — we may be down now, but things will change,” Chase said.

“That change starts now, with the belief and mindset of every player. My goal is to motivate the team so we can play positive cricket and improve our situation,” he added.

Chase did not comment much on players leaving international cricket for T20 leagues. Instead, he focused on his pride in representing the West Indies.

“For me, playing for the West Indies has always been a dream. I could have played franchise cricket, but I chose my country. Being captain is a big responsibility, and I want to give my all for the maroon jersey,” he said.

As Sammy said, financial issues and lack of quality are “a cancer deep in the system.” While West Indies cricket has declined, its rich history and legacy remain important to the country’s cricket fraternity.

It was just after the last ball of the 17th over, when Roston Chase, a veteran West Indies batter and the captain of the Test side, walked off the field. He was struggling with 15 runs in 12 deliveries in the huge run chase, where the required run-rate for the home side was getting over 15, as on a slow and low surface, the right-handed batter lacked rhythm.

Chase has become the first batter to retire out during the men’s T20Is featuring two full-member teams. They failed to chase the target of 190 runs in the deciding contest of the three-match T20I series against Pakistan at the Central Broward Regional Park Stadium Turf Ground in Florida.

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The Shai Hope-led side went off to a flying start with Alick Athanaze smashing 60 runs in 40 balls at a strike rate of 150, but slowed down in the middle overs once the spinners came into the attack. When Alick was dismissed, the scoreboard read 110/3 with 80 runs required in seven overs of the encounter.

Roston Chase becomes first full-member team batter to retire out in T20Is

There had been only one instance previously where a batter decided to retire out in a men’s T20I featuring a full-member team. It occurred during the 2024 T20 World Cup clash when Namibia’s opening batter, Nikolaas Davin, returned out after getting just 18 runs in 16 balls during their chase of 126 runs in ten overs against England in North Sound, Antigua.

All ten other dismissals have a record in games involving the associate nations. It was coincidental that Chase had been retired out once in the shortest format. During the International League T20 at the start of the team, his franchise, Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, were facing the MI Emirates when Chase, even after scoring 20 in 13 balls, retired out. He walked out to bat in the 12th over and left the field in the 18th.

West Indies, who lost this T20I series by a 2-1 margin, will now shift their focus to the ODI leg against Pakistan, starting from August 08 at the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba, Trinidad.

The West Indies enter the third and final Test of the series against Australia facing a daunting task. Having already conceded a 2-0 lead to the visitors, Roston Chase’s side will be desperate to avoid a whitewash when they take the field at Sabina Park, Kingston, Jamaica, from July 12 to 16. This pink-ball fixture also holds historical significance—it marks the first-ever day-night Test match in the Caribbean, adding extra pressure and intrigue to the contest.

The bowling has at times shown potential for the Caribbean side's bowling. Pacers Shamar Joseph, Alzarri Joseph, and Jayden Seales have at times troubled the Australian batters based on their raw pace and swing. However, the West Indies' biggest concern throughout the series has been their inconsistent and underperforming batting lineup. Top-order collapses have exposed the middle order too early, leading to subpar totals that Australia has easily chased down or outmatched.

With the final Test being played under lights with a pink ball, West Indies might slightly alter their combination based on the conditions. If fit, Kraigg Brathwaite can be expected back at the top, replacing Mikyle Louis. There should be no changes in the middle order, with the top three of Keacy Carty, Brandon King, and Shai holding key roles. Captain Roston Chase will offer spin and leadership, and the last bowling combination could be determined by whether they choose a spinner in Jomel Warrican or all-pace via Anderson Phillip.

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West Indies’ Probable Playing XI for 3rd Test vs Australia

• Kraigg Brathwaite / Mikyle Louis
• John Campbell
  
• Keacy Carty
  
• Brandon King
  
• Roston Chase (c)
  
• Shai Hope (wk)
  
• Justin Greaves
  
• Alzarri Joseph
  
• Jomel Warrican / Anderson Phillip
  
• Shamar Joseph
  
• Jayden Seales
  

Having already lost the series, this final Test offers West Indies a chance to rebuild confidence and finish strong in front of their home crowd. With Sabina Park hosting a pink-ball Test for the first time, conditions will be challenging and unfamiliar. For the Windies, it’s not just about avoiding a whitewash—it’s about showing fight, belief, and direction heading into the next phase of the WTC cycle.

Cricket West Indies has announced a 16 player squad for their upcoming Test series against Australia, which starts later this month in Barbados. All-rounder Roston Chase has been named the new captain, and the team includes a few new names looking to make their mark in red ball cricket.

Brandon King, Kevlon Anderson, and fast bowler Johann Layne all known for their performances in white-ball matches have received their first-ever Test call ups. Shai Hope, who leads the white ball team, and opening batter John Campbell are also back in the squad. One of the biggest points is the absence of senior fast bowler Kemar Roach, who has not been picked for this series.

Head coach Daren Sammy spoke about the decision to include Brandon King, calling it an important to build a stronger Test side for the future. With Roach not in the squad, the fast-bowling responsibilities will now be handled by Jayden Seales, Alzarri Joseph, and Shamar Joseph. Chase, meanwhile, will take over as skipper for this important series.

Roston Chase has been appointed the new West Indies Test captain.

The appointment was unanimously approved by the CWI Board of Directors during its meeting held today, May 16, 2025.

Congratulations Roston - WI are rallying behind you!🌴🏏 pic.twitter.com/xfCRfc7A34

— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) May 16, 2025

“I believe in this group,” Sammy said. “We want to make playing at home a big advantage again, and for that, we need our fans to support us fully. It won’t be easy, but we’re ready for the challenge.”

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Several regular names are missing from the squad this time. Players like Joshua Da Silva, Alick Athanaze, Amir Jangoo, Kavem Hodge, Gudakesh Motie, and Kevin Sinclair have been left out. Da Silva’s exclusion came as a surprise to many, especially after he finished as the second-highest run-scorer in the West Indies Championship. Coach Sammy explained that the team is trying something new and wants to give chances to fresh talent as they look to build for the future.

The three-match Test series will begin on June 25 at Kensington Oval in Barbados. Interestingly, the third and final Test, which starts on July 12 at Sabina Park in Jamaica, will be a day-night match played with a pink ball. That game will also mark the beginning of both teams’ new World Test Championship (WTC) journey.

West Indies Test Squad for Australia Series 2025:

Roston Chase (Captain), Kraigg Brathwaite, Brandon King, Shamar Joseph, Justin Greaves, Jomel Warrican, Mikyle Louis, Alzarri Joseph, Kevlon Anderson, Jayden Seales, Shai Hope, John Campbell, Keacy Carty, Johann Layne, Anderson Phillip, Tevin Imla

WI vs AUS Test Series 2025 Schedule 

May 16, 2025 marked the beginning of a new era for West Indies cricket as it named Roston Chase as the Test captain. The 33-year-old all-rounder, who had not played Test cricket since March 2023, replaces Kraigg Brathwaite, who was a consistent leader, particularly in setting the record of most consecutive Test matches played, previously held by Garfield Sobers with 86 matches.

Chase, who has 49 Tests under his belt, is renowned for his match-winning performances, including his 2016 heroics against India when he hit an unbeaten 137 and took 5 for 121 to help England snatch a thriller of a draw. Head coach Daren Sammy has poured his entire backing into Chase, praising his leadership skills and appealing to the cricket world to support the new captain as the team sets out to build a bright future, with spinner Jomel Warrican named vice-captain.

A Challenging Road Ahead

Chase is presented with a direct challenge as captain in the form of a three-Test series against Australia, starting June 25, 2025, at Bridgetown—a stiff task for someone coming back to the format after more than two years. The West Indies have demonstrated that they are capable of hanging with Australia as they drew a series 1-1 in 2024, which had a historic 8-run win in the second Test, their first on Australian soil since 1997.

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Chase is currently also a member of the West Indies team for a white-ball tour of England, beginning May 29, that offers a crucial chance to find match rhythm before the Test series. With his established record as an all-rounder and the approval of the coaching staff, Chase can become the leader who guides West Indies into a new era of Test cricket. The coming series against Australia will provide the turning point for Chase to demonstrate his worth and motivate the team to capitalize on their recent achievements.

India’s T20 World Cup victory in 2024 were a triumph of skill, strategy, and sheer determination. Among the many highlights of the tournament, one moment stood out: Suryakumar Yadav’s stunning catch to dismiss David Miller in the final. Fielding, often an underrated aspect of cricket, played a crucial role in this victory, exemplifying the saying that “catches win matches.”

The crucial moment

With South Africa needing 16 runs from the final over, the pressure was palpable. The crowd at the stadium and millions of viewers around the world held their breath. India’s skipper, Rohit Sharma, turned to Hardik Pandya to bowl the decisive over, hoping his experience and nerve would see India through.

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Suryakumar Yadav’s stunning catch

Hardik Pandya bowled a wide-ish full toss that David Miller struck powerfully down the park. The ball seemed destined to clear the boundary, but Suryakumar Yadav had other plans. He leaped into action, catching the ball mid-air with remarkable precision. As his momentum carried him out of play, Surya had the presence of mind to release the ball back into the air, find his balance, and jump back inside the ropes to complete the catch. This jaw-dropping effort sent Miller back to the dugout and gave India a massive advantage in the dying moments of the game.

Impact on the game

The dismissal of David Miller was a turning point. South Africa, just moments away from a potential victory, found themselves reeling from the blow. Suryakumar’s catch shifted the momentum entirely, and India went on to win the match by 7 runs, securing their place as T20 World Cup champions.

ICC recognition

The ICC recognized Suryakumar Yadav’s catch as one of the best in the T20 World Cup 2024. This acknowledgment places his effort alongside other incredible catches, highlighting its significance in the context of the tournament.

Other memorable catches

Among the best catches of the tournament were Axar Patel’s one-handed stunner to dismiss Mitchell Marsh, Gulbadin Naib’s spectacular grab, Roston Chase’s diving effort, Steven Taylor’s wonderful catch against Pakistan, and Aiden Markram’s backward dive. Each of these catches had its moment of glory, but Suryakumar’s effort in the final stands out due to its timing and impact.

Player reactions

Suryakumar Yadav expressed his joy and gratitude in post-match interviews, acknowledging the team effort that led to their victory. Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya also praised Surya’s catch, emphasizing its significance in their win. The team celebrated this moment, understanding its pivotal role in their triumph.

Suryakumar Yadav’s catch will be remembered as one of the defining moments in T20 World Cup history. Comparable to other famous catches in World Cup history, this moment will be etched in the memories of cricket fans for years to come.