West Indies captain Roston Chase is calling for a dominant performance in the upcoming series-deciding Test against Pakistan, as he looks to establish the Caribbean as a daunting venue for visiting sides. The second Test is scheduled to begin in Port of Spain on Sunday, August 2, with the hosts aiming to build on the momentum of their 90-run victory in Tarouba.
Reflecting on the team's progress, Chase noted that the recent positive results—including a successful series against Sri Lanka featuring an innings-and-217-run win—are the result of a strategic plan implemented after a challenging 2025. Although the team is no longer in the running for the World Test Championship final, a win this week would elevate them above England to seventh place in the standings.
"We want to make home our fortress, where we make it very difficult for teams to come to the Caribbean and beat us," Chase stated on Friday. He emphasized that the team intends to leverage their intimate knowledge of local conditions to maintain their current form. Regarding the team's preparation, the skipper highlighted the importance of executing their established processes without taking the opposition for granted.
The hosts face a Pakistan side currently struggling with a streak of eight consecutive away Test defeats, spanning tours of Australia, South Africa, Bangladesh, and the Caribbean. Regarding his own fitness, Chase, who serves as the team's second spin-bowling option, expressed optimism about recovering from a right index finger injury that sidelined his bowling in the first Test. He confirmed he bowled two overs in the nets on Friday and expects to be available for four to five overs by Sunday.
As for team selection, West Indies may consider introducing uncapped left-arm spinner Joshua Bishop if the pitch conditions require a second frontline spinner. Pakistan, who relied on Ali Usman as their sole specialist spinner in the first match, have the option to call upon experienced spinner Sajid Khan or utilize the bowling contributions of Salman Agha.
"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. 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."
West Indies' plans could hinge on the fitness of Chase, who doubles up as the team's second spin-bowling option behind Jomel Warrican. A finger injury prevented him from bowling in the opening Test, but the skipper expects to be available this time around. "It's getting better," Chase said of the injured right index finger. "Hopefully, I think I'll be ready to bowl by Sunday. I bowled two overs [in the nets] today. It still has a bit of pain. But I think by Sunday, I should be able to at least bowl probably four to five overs consistently."
