Roston Chase vows to make Caribbean a 'fortress' ahead of series decider against Pakistan

West Indies will head into the decisive second Test against Pakistan full of confidence after a strong run of performances on home soil, with captain Roston Chase eager to turn the Caribbean into one of the toughest places for visiting teams to win. The series finale gets underway at Queen's Park Oval in Port of Spain on Sunday (August 2), with the hosts aiming to wrap up the contest after securing a commanding 90-run victory in the opening Test at Tarouba. Their recent home form has also included an emphatic innings-and-217-run win over Sri Lanka before the second Test of that series ended in a draw. Although a place in the World Test Championship final is no longer within reach, another victory would see the West Indies climb above England to seventh in the WTC standings. Roston Chase wants to make the Caribbean a fortress

Chase believes the team's recent success is the result of a long-term plan that has started to pay off following a disappointing 2025 campaign, during which the Caribbean side managed only one win in nine Test matches. "We had a clear plan after last year and identified where we wanted to be as a team," Chase said ahead of the match. "We're moving in the right direction, but we know there's another level to reach. Our focus is to stick to our processes, execute our plans, and give ourselves the best chance of winning this Test as well, " Chase said. The skipper also stressed the importance of making home conditions a major advantage. "We've enjoyed some excellent results at home recently, and we want to keep building on that. Our goal is to make the Caribbean a very difficult place for visiting teams because we understand these conditions better than anyone else. Home advantage should count, and we want to continue using it to our benefit," he added. Pakistan look to end poor away record

Pakistan arrive under pressure after suffering eight consecutive defeats in away Test matches, with losses coming on tours of Australia, South Africa, Bangladesh and now the West Indies. The pitch in Port of Spain is expected to provide more assistance to spin than the surface used for the first Test, which could influence team selections for both sides. West Indies are monitoring the fitness of Chase, whose off-spin adds balance to the bowling attack alongside lead spinner Jomel Warrican. The all-rounder was unable to bowl in the opening Test because of a finger injury but is optimistic about contributing with the ball in the series decider. "The finger is improving," Chase said. "I managed to bowl a couple of overs in the nets today. There's still some discomfort, but I'm hopeful that by Sunday I'll be able to bowl a proper spell." Spin battle could shape series decider

Pakistan could respond to the spin-friendly conditions by bringing experienced off-spinner Sajid Khan into the playing XI after fielding Ali Usman as their only specialist spinner in the first Test. Salman Ali Agha also offers a useful spin option. West Indies, meanwhile, may consider handing a debut to left-arm spinner Joshua Bishop if they decide an extra frontline spinner is needed, setting the stage for an intriguing battle between the two spin attacks in the series decider.

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