WINDIES are known to create more explosive batsman for the limited-overs of the game. But, Roston Chase is different.
Chase got his maiden Test call-up for the series against India in 2016 and in only his 2nd Test returned with figures of 5/121 before scoring an impressive 137 on the final day to draw the Jamaica Test.
This made Chase only fourth WINDIES after Denis Atkinson, Collie Smith and Sir Garfield Sobers, to take a five-wicket haul and score a hundred in the same Test match. In the following year, his two centuries nearly saved a home series against Pakistan.
Roston Chase is the new face in the WINDIES One-Day International squad for the three-match series against Afghanistan, to be held at the Darren Sammy Cricket Ground in St Lucia on June 9, June 11 and June 14.
“Roston Chase is the one new player in the squad. He was considered before for ODI selection, primarily because of his all-round ability,” said Browne when announcing the squad on Sunday (June 4).
“With his prolific run-scoring in the last Test series and his continued steady all-round performances in the PCL (Professional Cricket League), we now feel it’s time to introduce him to ODI cricket.”
Twelve of the 14 members who were part of the squad for the 3rd ODI against Pakistan – WINDIES’ last ODI assignment – were retained. Chadwick Walton, the wicketkeeper who made just 36 runs in three outings in that series, and left-arm spinner Veersammy Permaul were left out.
Chase will add some much-needed strength in the middle order, which is devoid of Marlon Samuels and Darren Bravo services still not finding favour with the selectors.
All three ODIs will be played at the Darren Sammy Cricket Ground in St Lucia, with the first game slated for June 9. WINDIES have already clinched the T20I series, with the final match to be played in St Kitts on Tuesday.
SQUAD: Jason Holder (captain), Devendra Bishoo, Jonathan Carter, Roston Chase, Miguel Cummins, Shannon Gabriel, Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Evin Lewis, Jason Mohammed, Ashley Nurse, Kieran Powell, Rovman Powell.