AUSTRALIA TOUR OF WEST INDIES, 2025
Chase said his team had done well to dismiss Australia for 180 but were then undermined by a series of contentious umpiring calls. © AFP
Roston Chase has called for greater accountability from match officials following West Indies’ 159-run defeat to Australia in the first Test in Barbados. The West Indies captain expressed deep frustration at a series of questionable umpiring decisions that he felt went against his side.
“It’s frustrating because as players, when we mess up or we do stuff that people don’t like, we’re penalised harshly, but the officials, nothing ever happens to them,” Chase said. “They just have a wrong decision or questionable decision and life just goes on. So, it’s a bit unfair in my estimation.
“You’re talking about guys’ careers. One bad decision could make or break a guy’s career. I just think that it should be an even playground in terms of when players step out of line, they’re penalised. I think that there should be some penalty put in place when you have blatant decisions going against you.”
Chase said his team had done well to dismiss Australia for 180 but were then undermined by a series of contentious umpiring calls. West Indies lost momentum during their first innings with two controversial dismissals, with Chase himself adjudged lbw and Shai Hope given caught behind.
“This game is a frustrating one for me and for the team because we bowled out Australia for a relatively low score. We were very happy with that, but then there were so many questionable calls in the game and none of them went our way,” Chase said. “I mean, as a player, you’re out there, you’re giving your all, you’re fighting. And then nothing is going your way. It could be heartbreaking.
“You see what set batters can do on the wicket,” Chase continued. “The wicket is one where once you get in, you can get runs, but the hardest part is to get in. Me and Shai Hope were going well and then, obviously, we had some questionable calls. That really set us back in terms of creating a big lead on the total that Australia set.
“It’s clear to see anyone would feel bad or feel hurt about those decisions. You’re out there playing to win, giving it your all and it seems like everyone is against you.”
Earlier, West Indies head coach Daren Sammy had questioned the consistency of TV umpire Adrian Holdstock.
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