DLCA in the Caribbean Premier League
In search of taking their game to the next level, West-Indian cricketers Kavem Hodge (2010/11), Hayden Walsh (2011/12) and most recently Chemar Holder (2017/18 – pictured) have attended the Darren Lehmann Cricket Academy (DLCA). All three Caribbean players immediately made an impact in Adelaide, impressing the DLCA coaching staff and their local clubs. However, their most recent achievement of signing lucrative contracts in the Caribbean Premier League highlights the pathway that the Academy seeks to establish.
Kavem Hodge, an allrounder who is a left arm orthodox bowler and right-handed batsman, is representing the St Lucia Stars. From a young age Hodge was recognised as a talented cricketer, progressing through the West Indies junior team at U15 level. He was the first West-Indian to attend the DLCA and noted that the DLCA helped “Realise my goals and how I can develop myself. It has really helped me identify my strength and weaknesses”.
Chemar Holder, a fast bowler who idolised West Indian hero Curtly Ambrose growing up, has signed with the Barbados Tridents. Coming off the back of a successful U19 World Cup with the West Indies, the Barbados Cricket Association and Holder’s family were eager for the swing bowler to test himself in an entirely different environment. During his time at the DLCA, Holder stated “it’s a different way of playing cricket than home, so I’m just having to adapt to situations and go with the game plan”.
Hayden Walsh, a leg spinner who has represented West Indies A on multiple occasions, has signed with St Kitts & Nevis Patriots. A recipient of the Carl Hooper scholarship, Walsh immediately made his first-class debut for Leeward Islands on his return from the DLCA. He stated, “The Academy has helped prepare me not only physically but mentally and I feel much more confident in myself and in my game”.
The team at the DLCA look forward to monitoring the progress of our West-Indian scholars and wish them all the best in their Caribbean Premier League campaigns. The tournament runs between 8 August–16 September.