The long-awaited dream of Kavem Hodge to be selected for the West Indies cricket team has finally come true as just yesterday, news broke that the right-handed top-order batsman has earned a maiden call-up to the Test squad.
The Dominican and Windward Islands all-rounder is one of the 15-man test squad who will tour Bangladesh beginning next month.
“It was very surprising to me as it’s something that I have been looking forward to for a very long time. I came close a couple of times but kinda missed the mark so when I received that call…from the Chairman of selectors in the evening of Christmas eve, I was really elated,” an obviously thrilled Hodge disclosed to Dominica News Online (DNO).
The young man, who hails from the Atkinson community, said it is an extreme privilege to represent Dominica on the international level and declared his aim to make everyone at home proud, to the best of his ability.
Since the news broke an over-pouring of support and congratulatory messages has flooded social media including that of the Prime Minister and his wife, Roosevelt Skerrit and Melissa Skerrit.
Hodge responded by thanking everyone for their encouragement and informed DNO that, “even before this point a lot of people have given me a lot of motivation and a lot of inspiration and they keep telling me to keep going despite all the obstacles. But I am very thankful for all the well wishes and I want to thank everyone for their inspiration and everything they have done for me and all the part they have played because I think it is a collective effort that has gotten me to this point.”
He went on to state, “ There’s no way that I could have done all of this on my own. Yes I was the one on the field playing the game but you still need support, you still need friends and family through all of this and I want to thank everyone for that.”
To anyone who wants to follow in his footsteps, the young cricketer’s advice was simply, “to have a plan and go for it.”
Hodge encouraged his fellow athletes in Dominica to mimic the hard work and dedication of those who have gained success within their field. While he admits that there will be distractions, he encouraged them to remain focused, enjoy the process and keep learning through it all.
As for his next move, Hodge has his eyes set on the very competitive Super 50 and first-class season and plans to continue learning and improving as time progresses.
Hodge made his first-class debut playing for Windward Islands against Leeward Islands at Gros Islet, St. Lucia, in March, 2012.
The West Indies touring party is due to arrive in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on January 10 and the series will run until February 15.
Ten Windies players have declined the opportunity to tour due to COVID-19 related concerns or personal fears.
Tour Schedule:
January 10: West Indies arrive
January 18: One-day warm-up match, BKSP, Savar
January 20: 1st ODI, SBNCS, Dhaka
January 22: 2nd ODI, SBNCS, Dhaka
January 25: 3rd ODI, ZACS, Chattogram
January 28-31: Four-day warm-up, M.A. Aziz Stadium, Chattogram
February 3-7: 1st Test Match, ZACS, Chattogram
February 11-15: 2nd Test Match, SBNCS, Dhaka
Nice. Congratulations.
We demand that Kavem H, grasped this opportunity while giving it his best shot. The potential shown in the last Caribbean 50 over tournament, had him on the radar for this present development. As an allrounder, if he is 50% of what Norbert Phillip us to be as a Cricketer, success might be his to hold on too. This Dude is walking in the footsteps of some really Great Nature Island born Cricketers, wish him the best in South Asia.
Kavem, Congratulations. Remember Tom Lafond will be looking at you. Don’t let him down in any way. Keep your standards high.
Masood,it is because of you,Lochart Sebastien,Ossie Lewis and Sports Rap,Kaven made the team.Hypocrites.We know who destroyed Dominica cricket.They robbed the KALINAGO people of their right in Dominica cricket.Waiting to hear those crooks and traitors on sports rap.
Never thought I would ever agree with you on anything. It is a lesson on separating politics, one of the most divisive social forces in human history.
You left out de one they called Loblack.
Congratulations young fella. Wishing you much success!
Congratulations to you Kavem Hodge. I hope if selected to play you will do well and maintain a permanent place in the squad. This is a big opportunity for you and I must say for all the others. Congrats to Jason Muhammed also. I believe he is a good player and will be a good captain. Fortunately you have been playing cricket in Barbados where cricket is a serious sport by the people and Government of Barbados. Unlike these lazy and selfish government of Dominica who for it sake cricket is a no sport in Dominica. If they( lazy parliamentarians could get rid of cricket like every thing else they would do so. Happy that Nathan is no longer part of the W.Indies cricket administration because he would have travelled to Bangladesh on the disguise of watching you. But we all know what his travels were up to. Congrats again young man and it is not because of the government of Dominica that you have made it. Don’t let them fool you.
In as much as I would like to congratulate Kevam, the West Indies team is not up to test level. If the players who have made the team ahead of him is any indication, I don’t hold much hope that much good is going to come from his ascension to the higher level.
These players cannot play spin, cannot play moving balls from seam bowlers, cannot bowl to restrict teams to low scores. Frankly, the West Indies team is an embarrassment.
All congratulations are due, young man, on this momentous occasion!! I have always been impressed with your attitude: discipline, humility and personal motivation.
In your most recent statements, you expressed the desire to keep working on your MENTAL attributes. You are on the right track. Put the highest price on your wicket. Think of it this way: everyone you get out, you are dead🤗🤗😉. A rather strong analogy, but believe me, it works!!
And finally, your real opponents will not be those on the field, but in YOUR HEAD!!
Stay safe and secure and do the best for all of us. Very good luck!
HOTEP!
Congrats Mr. Hodge. Your cheerful personality, hard work and perseverance have paid off. I pray that you will make the most of the opportunity to showcase your cricketing skills on the biggest stage while continuing to make Dominica proud. Play hard, do your thing, and enjoy the ride!!!
Congrats young man, just by making the team, you’ve already made everyone proud. Now just go have fun and the rest will fall in line.