SHARJAH, United Arab Emirates, CMC – All-rounders Kavem Hodge and Dominic Drakes are satisfied with their One-Day International debuts for West Indies.
Hodge, a 30-year-old who bowls left-arm spin and bats right-handed, and Drakes, who bowls left-arm seam and left-handed, featured in West Indies’ seven-wicket win over the United Arab Emirates in the opening ODI last Sunday.
“It’s an amazing feeling,” Hodge said afterward.
“Playing for the West Indies is something you aspire to do from childhood, and obviously, to get the opportunity to do it is an amazing feeling.”
Hodge sent down six overs for 28 runs without taking a wicket but said he was pleased with the spell, especially bowling in the pivotal power-play.
“It was pretty good to get a bowl in. Bowling in the power-play is something I’m accustomed to, so it was nice to get that going,” he explained.
“I didn’t get any wickets, but I’m happy with my spell. I didn’t get any batting, but I must say the guys who did get a bat did very well.
“I look forward to getting a bat next game, but I’ll take it how it comes. I’m grateful for the opportunity.”
Drakes, meanwhile, entered the game already with 10 Twenty20 Internationals to his name after making his debut in the shortest format two years ago.
Handed the new ball on Sunday, the 25-year-old picked up two for 29 from nine outstanding overs, a spell that helped limit UAE to 202 all out in the 48th over.
“It wasn’t my first game – first 50-over game for sure – but always playing a game for West Indies is a fantastic feeling,” Drakes said.
“I feel exhausted. It [was] 40 degrees today, and I think the only way I got through it was because of Odean (Smith) and Keemo (Paul), my [partners from youth cricket]. So playing today with those [guys] was a most heart-warming feeling.”
West Indies take on UAE in the second ODI at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, and Hodge said the objective was to continue improving throughout the series.
“We want to keep pushing the bar. We’re trying to set high standards and keep moving up and up, and obviously coming out of this series with a 3-0,” Hodge said.
“It’s something that we’re looking forward to and just trying to keep improving every game.”
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