ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) — Darren Sammy has been named captain of West Indies to usher-in a new era of leadership for the beleaguered side.

In a predictable move, the West Indies Cricket Board announced yesterday that the 26-year-old all-rounder will take over from Chris Gayle, and lead the side until the end of next year’s home series.

The regional governing body also made a surprising choice, elevating Australia-born left-hander Brendan Nash as Test-only vice-captain for the same period.

“Being appointed West Indies captain is an honour and distinction, which I will treat with the highest regard and dignity,” said Sammy in a WICB media release.

“I believe my captaincy of Windward Islands, a young team, which I have been moulding into playing consistently competitive cricket, will stand me in good stead as West Indies captain as we work on building a team for the future.”

The coronation of Sammy comes following Chris Gayle’s decision to become a free agent, and turn his back on a WICB central retainer contract that would have paid him around US$120,000 over the next year.

The 31-year-old Gayle led West Indies over the last three years in 20 Tests (won three, lost nine), including a memorable home series triumph over England last year, and West Indies’ only Test victory in South Africa the previous year.

He also captained the side in 53 One-day Internationals (won 17, lost 30), and 17 Twenty20 Internationals (won six, lost 10).

With few options to replace Gayle, the WICB have turned to Sammy, whose commitment to the cause of West Indies cricket has never been a matter of public discourse.

His place however, has been, and he was even chastised by former coach John Dyson for his inability to be more penetrative with his steady medium-paced bowling.

“I have always given my all, when I prepare, and play for West Indies, and nothing will change now. I know this will be a difficult challenge, and I will take the torch from Chris, and hold it high as we forge ahead,” said Sammy.

With an unflattering personal record, and a team with a tarnished brand, Sammy would need Gayle, in particular, to take the snub from the WICB’s hierarchy and think-tank like the physical giant he is, and transfer his any latent resentment onto opposing bowlers to do what he does best — tear them apart!

“Chris Gayle, the former captain, led the West Indies during a challenging period and the Board thanks him for stepping up then but it is now time to past the mantle on as the West Indies rebuilds,” said WICB Chief Executive Officer Ernest Hilaire.

The WICB outlined the great lengths they went to the reach their decision for a new captain. They noted that the selection panel comprising Clyde Butts (convenor), Courtney Browne, and Robert Haynes did not arrive at their decision easily.

It followed consultation with Hilaire, West Indies coach Ottis Gibson, and WICB Director of Cricket Tony Howard, all of whom were part of interviews with the candidates for the post.

The directors’ approval of the recommendation could not have been a simple task, since they still had to grapple with the decision of whether a player without a central retainer contract could qualify to lead the side.

It appears they may have frowned on the decision of Gayle and all-rounder Dwayne Bravo, another possible candidate, to walk away from the central contracts.

They also chose not to complicate matters, bypassing former captain Ramnaresh Sarwan, who was not offered a central contract, and outstanding Trinidad & Tobago captain Daren Ganga, the people’s choice.

Sammy’s first major assignment is the tour of Sri Lanka, starting next month, when West Indies play three Tests, five One-day Internationals, and a Twenty20 International against the hosts.

Squad — Sammy (captain), Nash (vice-captain), Gayle, Adrian Barath, Carlton Baugh Jn, Sulieman Benn, Darren Bravo, Dwayne Bravo, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Nelson Pascal, Kemar Roach, Andre Russell, Shane Shillingford, Devon Smith, Devon Thomas.