Chase aspires to foster “comfortable” environment to breed success

By Akeem Greene

Newly-appointed West Indies Test Vice-captain, Roston Chase, is hoping he can develop an environment of comfort for players, which will hopefully correspond to them producing to their optimum on the field.

According to Chase, the new role will not increase his level of responsibility since he deems himself always to be a level-headed cricketer, but certainly hopes he can get more gains, especially with the bat.

“I wouldn’t say the Vice-captaincy will bring out a more responsible side of me; I have always been a responsible guy and I don’t see it going higher or anything. I will try to do the same things and encourage the other players a bit more,” he stated at Wednesday’s Virtual press briefing.

“In terms of the role, it is an opportunity for me to communicate with some of the other guys and try to make them feel comfortable as possible in performing to their best abilities, and just trying to get the best out of each person.”

He added, “Leadership for me is just getting the best out of each guy in the team, finding a way to motivate that guy and also being a shoulder for him if he has any questions on any problems he may be experiencing, especially if it is a younger guy in the team. Leadership is not making everyone happy, but just trying to making them comfortable and bring the best out of the players that you have.”

Just over a week ago, the 28-year-old, who has played 35 Tests, was elevated to the position, fellow Bajan Kraigg Brathwaite.

Brathwaite, who has played the most number of Tests (62) in the current squad, has captained the Test side on five occasions in Jason Holder’s absence between 2017-2019, losing all five matches.

Since Chase’s debut in 2016 against India, the all-rounder has quickly become a pillar in the Test squad, scoring five centuries and collecting three five-wicket hauls with his off-spin bowling.

He is opposed to the idea that the added responsibility will have a detrimental impact on his output.

“I don’t feel any added pressure, I have always been one of the go-to guys in terms of seniority so right now it is just a title and not really a big difference in me doing anything else.”

One hope for Chase as they play the number-two ranked Test nation in two Tests, is for the batting group to improve: “We have not been getting big enough first innings scores for our bowlers…we need to make the opposition chase the game.”

With Holder still in quarantine, Chase will lead West Indies in the Four-Day warm-up match in Queenstown against New Zealand A on Friday (Thursday from 18:00h Eastern Caribbean time).

He said it will be good to get into a game scenario after lengthy practice sessions and a chance to test their red-ball skills in New Zealand.

Test Squad: Jason Holder (captain), Jermaine Blackwood, Kraigg Brathwaite, Darren Bravo, Shamarh Brooks, John Campbell, Roston Chase (vice-captain), Rahkeem Cornwall, Shane Dowrich, Shannon Gabriel, Shimron Hetmyer, Chemar Holder, Alzarri Joseph, Keemo Paul and Kemar Roach.

Test Reserves: Nkrumah Bonner, Joshua DaSilva, Preston McSween, Shayne Moseley, Raymon Reifer and Jayden Seales.