Dominicans are the key to the present and future of the West Indies

TWO talented Dominicans are playing key roles in the revival of West Indian cricket.

Whether the current Test series against England is won, lost or drawn, the tourists have discovered some gems for the present and the future.

Kavem Hodge’s maiden century got West Indies back on track and saw off England on a convincing second day of the second Test match at Trent Bridge.

Hodge, a 31-year-old playing in only his fourth Test match, made a fine 120 runs, including 19 boundaries, as the visitors bounced back from their innings drubbing at Lord’s in the first Test match.

From 84-3 in response to England’s 416, Hodge added 175 for the fourth wicket with the equally impressive Alick Athanaze contributing 82. The two compatriots provided a masterclass in stroke play, a display of poise and confidence.

Before the tour to England, Hodge was described as a handy lower-order batsman and a left-handed player of spin.

He showed that he had spirit earlier this year in his second Test, when he smashed the feared Australian bowler Mitchell Starc for six at the Gabba to reach a maiden fifty.

His development was aided by a stint at the Darren Lehmann Academy in Adelaide at the age of 17, where he was in the same group as Joe Root.

Athanaze is an attacking left-handed opener who has modeled his game after his childhood hero Brian Lara.

It was only last year that Athanaze’s parents saw him play a match live for the first time when he made his Test debut against India on his home turf in Roseau, where he did them credit by topping the West Indies score in both innings.

Both Dominicans have already shown that they can form a solid foundation for the Windies, who want to return to their old glory days.