TWO talented Dominicans are key to the rejuvenation of West Indies cricket.
Win lose or draw the current Test series against England, the tourists have unearthed some gems for the present and future.
Kavem Hodge’s maiden century rallied West Indies and defied England on a compelling second day of the second Test at Trent Bridge.
Hodge, a 31-year-old playing only his fourth Test, notched a classy 120 which included 19 boundaries as the visitors gloriously bounced back from their innings thrashing at Lord’s in the first Test.
From 84-3 in response to England’s 416, Hodge added 175 for the fourth wicket with the similarly impressive Alick Athanaze, who contributed 82. The two countrymen, provided a masterclass of stroke play, a show of poise and confidence.
Before the tour to England, Hodge was described as a handy lower-order batter and left-arm spin option.
He showed that he had spirit in just his second Test earlier in the year, pulling feared Australia bowler Mitchell Starc for six at the Gabba as he made his way to a first fifty.
His development was aided after spending time at the Darren Lehmann Academy in Adelaide as a 17-year old where he was in the same cohort as Joe Root.
Athanaze is an attacking left-handed opener who has modelled on his game on childhood hero, Brian Lara.
Only last year, Athanaze’s parents watched him play a game live for the first time when he made his Test debut against India on his home ground in Roseau. He did them proud, topping West Indies’ scoring in both innings.
Both Dominicans have already shown that they could help provide a solid platform as the Windies look to return to former glories.