West Indies Captain Chase Slams Umpiring After Test Loss, Demands Accountability

The West Indies suffered a 159-run loss to Australia in the first Test in Barbados, and captain Roston Chase is now calling for greater accountability from match officials. He voiced his concerns regarding several umpiring decisions that he believes negatively impacted his team's performance.

Chase felt the team's effort to dismiss Australia cheaply was undone by controversial calls. © AFP

Chase highlighted the disparity in treatment between players and umpires, stating, "It's frustrating because as players, when we mess up or we do stuff that people don't like, we're penalized harshly, but the officials, nothing ever happens to them. They just have a wrong decision or questionable decision and life just goes on. So, it's a bit unfair in my estimation."

He further emphasized the potential career-altering impact of incorrect decisions: "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 penalized. I think that there should be some penalty put in place when you have blatant decisions going against you."

The West Indies captain believes the umpiring errors significantly hampered their first innings after they bowled out Australia for a modest 180. Chase himself was dismissed lbw in a contentious call, and Shai Hope was given out caught behind in another questionable decision.

"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 lamented. "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."

Chase pointed out the advantage set batsmen had on the wicket, noting that it was difficult to get settled. He felt that the dismissals of himself and Hope disrupted their momentum and prevented them from establishing a substantial lead.

"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."

He concluded, "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 in the match, West Indies head coach Daren Sammy also voiced concerns about the consistency of TV umpire Adrian Holdstock, adding further fuel to the debate over umpire accountability.