"Want to make home our fortress": West Indies skipper Roston Chase ahead of second Test against Pakistan
Port of Spain, August 1
West Indies Test captain Roston Chase said the team is determined to build on its improved home record and make the Caribbean a "fortress" for visiting sides as they prepare to face Pakistan in the second Test, according to Cricinfo.
Speaking to reporters at the Queen's Park Oval on Friday, Chase said the team had set clear goals after a difficult 2025 season, when West Indies won just one of their nine Tests.
"After having the year last year [West Indies won one and lost eight], we sat down with the plan and said that this is where we want to be. And as I said, we're exactly where we want to be. We want to level up," Chase said, as quoted by Cricinfo.
The West Indies skipper urged his players not to take anything for granted in the second Test and stressed the importance of executing the plans they had discussed.
"We want to just come into this second Test, not take anything for granted, just go through the processes that we've sat down and talked about. We want to come and execute them to the best of our ability. And look to get that second victory," he added.
Chase also expressed satisfaction with the team's performances on home soil and said the West Indies want to establish a strong home advantage by making it difficult for visiting teams to win in the Caribbean.
"We're very blessed and very happy for the results that we've been having at home so far. But I want to make home our fortress, where we make it very difficult for teams to come to the Caribbean and beat us. Because it's our own conditions, we know them inside out, and better than the opposition," he said, as quoted by Cricinfo.
"So I think we want to really make home advantage count, and we've been doing that well so far. So, as I said, we're lucky to continue in the vein of form that we've been in, and to take victory in this second game," the West Indies captain added.
Meanwhile, Shan Masood will miss the second Test against West Indies due to a finger injury, delivering a massive blow to Pakistan's chances to level the series.
Masood suffered the injury during the first Test against the Caribbean side in Trinidad when he was struck on the finger by a Jayden Seales delivery in Pakistan's first innings as the West Indies went on to record a 90-run victory. In the first Test, Shan scored 109 and 3.
The second match of the series commences at Queen's Park Oval on Sunday, and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) also confirmed the left-hander is also in some doubt for the start of the upcoming Test series with England from August 19.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Shan Masood missing is a huge blow for Pakistan. He was their most consistent batter. But honestly, West Indies deserve credit—they've been underdogs for so long, and it's refreshing to see them compete with intent. Hope the series stays competitive!
"Making home a fortress" is easier said than done. The West Indies have struggled for years, and one win doesn't change everything. That said, Chase's leadership seems positive—better than the days when the team looked lost. Let's see if they can back it up consistently. 🤔
As someone who grew up watching the great West Indies teams of the 80s, this is heartwarming. The Caribbean pitches have always been special, and if they can exploit them well, they can definitely trouble Pakistan. Also, the loss of Masood makes it tougher for Pakistan—great opportunity for WI to seal the series! 🙌
Respect to Chase for setting clear goals—that's what good leadership looks like. But I'd also add that the West Indies need to improve their away record if they want to be taken seriously. Fortresses are good, but conquering abroad is the real test. Still, wishing them well! 👍
It's sad about Shan Masood—he's such a gritty player. But injuries are part of the game. For Pakistan, this series is a good test ahead of the England series. As for West Indies, I love the "fortress" mentality—it's been missing for too long. Hope they keep this spirit alive!
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