MOUNT MAUNGANUI, New Zealand — In a candid post-match assessment, West Indies Test Captain Roston Chase expressed profound personal disappointment regarding his individual performance during his team’s 2-0 series defeat against New Zealand. The Black Caps sealed their decisive victory with a commanding 323-run triumph on the final day of the third Test at Bay Oval, following an earlier draw in Christchurch and a win in Wellington.
Having assumed captaincy responsibilities last March, Chase has now presided over eight matches without a single victory, recording seven losses and one draw. The dejected skipper was observed watching solemnly from the sidelines as New Zealand players celebrated their comprehensive series win with families on the field.
Chase’s introspection focused particularly on his failure to translate leadership rhetoric into on-field performance. ‘My contribution was substantially below par for the standards I maintain,’ acknowledged Chase. ‘While my verbal leadership and team encouragement remained strong, I fundamentally failed to deliver the exemplary performance that inspires confidence and provides a template for success.’
Statistically, Chase’s batting performance reached historically concerning levels with merely 42 runs across six innings, averaging seven runs per appearance. This represents the second-lowest output in Test cricket history for a captain dismissed six times in a series. His off-spin bowling yielded just three wickets at an average of 119, despite favorable pitch conditions for spin bowling at Bay Oval.
Despite personal shortcomings, Chase identified positive developments within the squad. The bowling unit maintained persistent effort throughout the series, while batsmen achieved three centuries across the three Tests—a significant improvement over recent performances. Emerging all-rounder Justin Greaves, whose double century secured the draw in Christchurch, has expressed confidence that the West Indies can recapture their former glory through continued development and consolidation of these positive elements.