Brathwaite quits Test captaincy, Hope to lead white-ball cricket teams

ST. JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC):

THE WEST Indies will have a new Test captain when they take on Australia in the summer following the resignation of Kraigg Brathwaite yesterday.

According to a press release from Cricket West Indies (CWI), the 32-year-old Brathwaite, who served as Test captain for the past four years, had indicated his intention to step down earlier this year ahead of the completion of the West Indies’ tour of Pakistan.

The resignation comes just one day before West Indies head coach Daren Sammy assumes responsibility for the Test team.

The West Indies will face Australia in the Caribbean in a three-match Test series beginning on June 25.

“Understanding the importance of continuity, Brathwaite wanted to ensure the team had a period of transition before his departure.

“As a result, he has submitted his resignation ahead of the home series against Australia, giving the new leadership time to establish itself,” the statement read.

“This series will be particularly special, allowing Brathwaite, who is two matches shy of 100 Test matches, to double down on his batting without added responsibility.”

Brathwaite took over as Test captain in 2021, succeeding fellow Barbadian Jason Holder.

Under his leadership, the West Indies secured their first Test victory in Australia in 27 years with a thrilling eight-run win in Brisbane in 2024.

Earlier this year, he led the team to a landmark Test victory over Pakistan in Pakistan, their first in 34 years, to level the series.

Brathwaite’s captaincy also saw West Indies defeat England at home in 2022 and claim a 2-0 series win over Bangladesh in challenging conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021.

CWI lauded Brathwaite for his achievements and commitment.

“CWI extends its deepest gratitude to Kraigg Brathwaite for his years of service as captain, recognising his dedication to West Indies cricket and his leadership in guiding the Test team to significant milestones. A new captain will be named in the coming weeks,” it said in the statement.

In another significant move, ODI captain Shai Hope has replaced Rovman Powell as the West Indies’ T20 captain.

Powell, who had been at the helm since 2023, secured home series victories against India, England, and South Africa.

He also guided the team to the Super 8 stage at the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 and played a key role in the team’s rise from ninth to fifth in the ICC T20I rankings.

CWI also took the opportunity to thank Powell for his leadership and for elevating the team to new heights.

“His efforts have set a strong foundation for the future, and his contributions to West Indies cricket remain invaluable. This will include optimising the chances of Powell contributing in a more defined way to the team as one of the leading batsmen in T20 cricket,” the statement added.

Sammy said Hope had been elevated to the position given his performances over the past year and a half.

“Shai Hope’s appointment signals a progressive shift for West Indies cricket, given his success with the 50-over team in the last 18 months.

“As the team continues its evolution, Hope blends instinctive decision-making with analytical precision, using in-depth match data and player performance insights to shape strategy,” Sammy said.

“Shai is a strong believer in team performances and his meticulous preparation, coupled with his calm and composed demeanour under pressure, makes him an ideal leader at this stage.”