In a move that has stunned the cricket world, Kraigg Brathwaite has stepped down as West Indies Test captain, saying it was the right time to pass the baton and that his decision was in the best interest of the team.
The news of his departure, ending a four-year tenure at the helm, was announced on Monday—just a day before Daren Sammy officially takes over as head coach of the Test squad. Cricket West Indies (CWI) broke the news through a video of Brathwaite speaking at Kensington Oval. It is believed it was filmed as far back as three weeks ago, during the Barbados Pride home matches.
“Leadership is also about knowing when to pass the baton, and I believe this is the right time for someone else to wear the cap,” Brathwaite said in the video. “We must always do what’s best for the team.”
Brathwaite, who masterminded the extraordinary victory against Pakistan in Multan in February, is in Saint Lucia preparing to lead the Barbados Pride against Windward Islands Volcanoes in the upcoming round of the West Indies four-day first-class competition, set for Wednesday at the Daren Sammy Stadium. Reports indicate he considered stepping down after West Indies’ first Test loss to Pakistan in January but chose to continue for the final match, which he led to victory.
His tenure included significant achievements, such as West Indies’ 2-1 home series win against England in 2022 and a 2-0 away series triumph over Bangladesh in 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Leading the West Indies Test team has been one of the greatest honours of my career. It’s a responsibility that I embrace with absolute pride and determination. The journey has had its challenges, but as a team, we have enjoyed some memorable moments,” he said.
He highlighted the historic win in Australia in Brisbane in 2024—the West Indies’ first Test victory there in 27 years—and the recent triumph over Pakistan, their first in that country in 34 years.
“And for me, what was truly amazing was my first Test series win against Bangladesh in their home conditions. I am proud of what we achieved.… We achieved it together,” he added.
Brathwaite, 32, who succeeded fellow Barbadian Jason Holder as Test captain in 2021, will officially step down before Australia’s tour of the region mid-year.
Sammy said he has not met to decide on Brathwaite’s replacement. However, he hailed his contribution at the helm.
“It (Brathwaite stepping down) creates an amazing and exciting opportunity to start fresh with a new direction, and I look forward to this opportunity,” the head coach said. “We will find someone to take on the mantle after Kraigg, as difficult as it sounds… and I believe he will be able to do the job.
“I promise you, when the announcement is made, it will be very clear. We will definitely have a proper West Indies captain to fill the big boots Kraigg Brathwaite has left us.”
Brathwaite has played 98 Tests, the last 88 in a row since his debut against Pakistan in May 2011. He is set to become the ninth West Indian to play 100 Test matches.
He led the West Indies in 39 matches, recording 10 wins, 22 defeats and seven draws.
There is no obvious stand-out replacement, but the likely frontrunners are John Campbell, the left-handed opening batsman from Jamaica; Joshua Da Silva, the wicket-keeper batsman from Trinidad and Tobago; Alick Athanaze of the Windward Islands; and fast bowler Alzarri Joseph of Leeward Islands.
It could prove a challenging decision as Campbell is out of the team at present after serving a ban, but he has impressed on his return to the regional scene. Da Silva was vice captain at one stage but lost his place on the tour of Pakistan, while Athanaze is young in his Test career and also short on significant performances with the bat. Joseph, the fast bowler, demonstrated solid leadership in the regional one-day format but fell out of favour after his indiscretion by walking off the field of play during a limited-overs match against England at Kensington Oval last year.
The West Indies will face Australia on home soil in a three-match Test series for the Frank Worrell trophy – the first matches in the new cycle of the ICC’s World Test Championship. The opening match will be played at Kensington Oval from June 25-29. The second will be at Grenada National Stadium beginning June 25. That series also marks the start of a new World Test Championship cycle.
(BT)
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