Roston Chase fit for West Indies vs Pakistan first Test, says Sammy
Synopsis
West Indies captain Roston Chase is racing against the clock to be fit for the first Test against Pakistan on 25 July — a match that doubles as the Brian Lara Cricket Academy's debut international Test. With both sides rooted near the bottom of the WTC standings, this two-match series is far more than a bilateral fixture.
Key Takeaways
Daren Sammy expressed confidence that Roston Chase will be fit for the first Test against Pakistan starting 25 July .
Chase missed the entire ODI series against New Zealand due to a right index finger injury; some swelling reportedly remains.
The opening Test at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Bridgetown will be the venue's first-ever international Test match .
The second Test is scheduled from 2–6 August at the Queen's Park Oval , Trinidad and Tobago.
West Indies are eighth and Pakistan are ninth (bottom) in the WTC 2025–27 standings — making the series critical for both sides.
West Indies head coach Daren Sammy has expressed confidence that Test captain Roston Chase will be fit to lead the side in the opening Test against Pakistan, scheduled to begin on 25 July at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Bridgetown. Chase has been managing a right index finger injury that ruled him out of the recently concluded ODI series against New Zealand.
Chase's Injury Status
The all-rounder sustained the finger injury before the three-match ODI series against New Zealand and was unable to participate throughout. Despite some residual swelling, Sammy struck an optimistic note after speaking with Chase ahead of the Test series.
'I spoke to Roston earlier today. He came to do his workout. Still a little bit puffy. But Roston is a fighter. I know he's not going to want to miss any Test cricket. I'm pretty sure Dr Byam has a way of keeping guys on the park, so I'm pretty sure Roston will be ready for the first Test,' Sammy told reporters at the conclusion of the ODI series. The 'Dr Byam' referred to is team physio Denis Byam.
Historic Venue for the Opener
The first Test, set to run from 25 July, will be played at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy — marking the venue's first-ever international Test match. The second Test follows from 2–6 August at the Queen's Park Oval in Trinidad and Tobago.
WTC Stakes for Both Sides
The two-match series carries significant weight within the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 cycle. West Indies currently sit eighth in the nine-team standings, while Pakistan occupy the bottom position — making this a must-improve series for both nations. Vital WTC points are on the line, and the outcome could reshape the lower half of the table.
Why Chase's Presence Matters
Chase is not merely West Indies' captain but their primary spin-bowling all-rounder — a dual role that makes his fitness doubly important on the turning surfaces typically found in Caribbean conditions. His absence would leave a pronounced gap in both the batting order and the bowling attack. West Indies will also be looking to regroup after their 3-2 ODI series defeat against New Zealand as they shift back to the longest format of the game.
With the series opener days away, all eyes will be on Chase's final fitness assessment ahead of the toss at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy.
Point of View
And a series between two struggling sides risks low visibility — unless Chase plays, the narrative holds, and the cricket delivers. The real question is whether West Indies use home conditions to build a genuine WTC case or simply trade losses with Pakistan.
NationPress
22 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Roston Chase play in the first Test against Pakistan?
West Indies head coach Daren Sammy has said he is confident Chase will be fit, despite the captain still showing some swelling in his right index finger. A final fitness call is expected closer to the 25 July start date.
What injury is Roston Chase recovering from?
Chase sustained an injury to his right index finger that ruled him out of the three-match ODI series against New Zealand. The finger reportedly remains slightly swollen, but Chase has resumed workouts.
Where will the first West Indies vs Pakistan Test be played?
The first Test will be held at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Bridgetown, Barbados, starting 25 July. It will be the venue's first-ever international Test match.
What is at stake in the West Indies vs Pakistan Test series for the WTC?
Both teams are near the bottom of the ICC World Test Championship 2025–27 standings — West Indies in eighth place and Pakistan in ninth. Winning the two-match series would provide a crucial points boost for either side's WTC campaign.
When is the second Test between West Indies and Pakistan?
The second Test is scheduled from 2 to 6 August at the Queen's Park Oval in Trinidad and Tobago.
