After West Indies lost to Australia by 159 runs in the first Test in Barbados, Roston Chase demanded that match officials be held to a higher standard of accountability. The captain of the West Indies was extremely irritated by a string of dubious umpiring calls that he believed went against his team.
“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 claimed that although his team had done well in dismissing Australia for 180, a string of controversial umpiring calls had weakened them. With two contentious dismissals—Chase was declared leg before wicket and Shai Hope was caught behind—the West Indies lost steam in the opening inning.
“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.”
Daren Sammy, the head coach of the West Indies, had previously questioned TV umpire Adrian Holdstock’s reliability.
