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West Indies opener Kraigg Brathwaite has stepped down as Test captain and is expected to play in the upcoming home series against Australia as a regular team member.
Cricket West Indies (CWI) director of cricket Miles Bascombe said a decision will be made on Brathwaite’s replacements “in the coming weeks”.
The 32-year-old Brathwaite led West Indies in 39 Tests from 2017 to 2025, winning ten and losing 22 matches. The highlights of his tenure include a 1-0 home series win against England in 2022, the Gabba Test win in Australia in January 2024, and a 1-1 drawn series in Pakistan earlier this year.
“Kraigg Brathwaite has officially stepped down as Test captain, having first indicated his intention to do so to CWI leadership earlier this year ahead of the completion of the West Indies’ successful tour of Pakistan,” stated the CWI board.
Bascombe reiterated, in an ESPN article, Brathwaite’s perceived value to the Maroon Men.
“Kraigg Brathwaite has been an outstanding leader for our Test team, guiding the squad with discipline, resilience, and a deep understanding of the game,” said Bascombe. “His contributions have been invaluable, and under his leadership, we have witnessed historic moments that will be remembered for years to come.
(via Sportsbrief.)
“We thank Kraigg for his service as captain and look forward to his continued impact as a senior player.”
CWI suggested that Brathwaite, who averages 33.15 from 98 Tests with 12 centuries and 31 half-centuries, will continue against Australia—as he chases a landmark 100 Test matches.
“Understanding the importance of continuity, Brathwaite wanted to ensure the team had a period of transition before his departure,” stated the Board. “As a result, he has submitted his resignation ahead of the home series against Australia, giving the new leadership time to establish itself.
“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.”
There was also a change of leadership within the West Indies T20 squad where 31-year-old Shai Hope was appointed T20 International captain, on the advice of coach Daren Sammy.
Hope, the current One Day International leader, replaces incumbent captain Rovman Powell.
Sammy said Hope’s appointment “signals a progressive shift for West Indies cricket, given his success with the 50-over (One-Day International) 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.”
Hope has played 39 T20Is and 133 ODIs for the West Indies. His batting average is 49.93 (ODIs) and 26.46 (T20Is), with a strike rate of 77.96 and 138.39 respectively.
Photo: CWI Media.
Powell, who led the West Indies’ T20I squad since May 2023, averages 25.69 with a strike rate of 140.32 from 91 T20Is. He steered the Maroon Men to home series wins over India, England and South Africa.
Bascombe said Powell “received the decision with professionalism and grace”.
“I have expressed to [Powell] that he ought to feel dignified by his contributions to West Indies cricket, as he has played a crucial role in elevating our T20 team to new heights,” said Bascombe. “His leadership has left a strong foundation, and we are grateful for his efforts.”
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“West Indies opener Kraigg Brathwaite (…) is expected to play in the upcoming home series against Australia as a regular team member.”
If Brathwaite’s place in the starting XI were assured, would he be replaced as captain? Surely the story should say that he is expected to be available for selection and not attempt to read the new selectors’ minds….
And what of Powell, who will remain AVAILABLE for selection but is certainly not guaranteed a place if merit is the basis on which anyone will be included?
Has new all=formats coach Daren Sammy not let it be known that he has had discussions with several of the franchise players and is hopeful that they will be back in the fold nest time around?
Under those circumstances, should we expect Powell, “who (…) averages 25.69 (…) from 91 T20Is.” to merit a place on the team?
The quote from the CWI board is: “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.”
I don’t think we are “attempting” to read the selectors’ minds. I think they told us exactly what to look out for.
My apologies. I was completely unaware that CWI and the selectors are one and the same.
I think I could hang my hat on the selectors bowing to their employers. I’d be the first to hold my hand up if that doesn’t come to past.
But “selectors/ coach dictated to by paymasters” is a show I’ve seen many, many times.