Chase is Test deputy, Pooran retains position

Chase replaced opener Kraigg Brathwaite, who was Jason Holder’s deputy in the series against England in July, while the 25-year-old Pooran, first named the West Indies vice-captain in 2019, retained his position.

“Pooran continues in the role of vice-captain of the T20I team,” Cricket Windies chief selector Roger Harper said.

Chase, 28, has so far played 35 Test matches, scoring five centuries and collecting three five-wicket hauls with his off-spin bowling.

“Chase has been appointed vice captain of the West Indies Test team. He is an experienced player who is tactically aware and very purposeful in his approach to the game,” added Harper.

Chase is already in New Zealand while Pooran, who was part of the Indian Premier League, landed on Thursday along with the other players who competed at the tournament, including T20I skipper Kieron Pollard, Test captain Holder, Fabian Allen, Shimron Hetmyer, Keemo Paul and Oshane Thomas.

“I see this as another opportunity to learn and grow in the game. I was vice- captain for the tour of Sri Lanka earlier this year, so this is continuation of that work,” Pooran said. “I have been making strides in Test cricket since my debut back in 2016 and I see this new role as vice-captain as an honour,” said Chase. “It is all about offering support to the captain, coach and other players as we try to plan a strategy and put more wins on the board,” he added.

The T20 series starts on November 27 in Auckland, followed by games in Mount Maunganui on November 29 and 30. The Tests are scheduled to be played from December 3 to 7 at Seddon Park in Hamilton and from December 11 to 15 at the Basin Reserve in Wellington.

The West Indies became the first team to tour overseas since the COVID-19 pandemic when it visited England for three Tests in July.