Kavem Hodge produced a composed and courageous unbeaten century to spearhead West Indies’ fightback on Day 3 of the final Test against New Zealand at the Bay Oval on Saturday, steering his side to 381 for 6 by stumps.
Replying to New Zealand’s imposing 575 for 8 declared, the visitors not only avoided the follow-on but also kept alive their hopes of salvaging the match, albeit still trailing by 194 runs.
Early Setback After Solid Start
Resuming On 110 Without Loss, West Indies Lost Their First Wicket Early When Jacob Duffy Removed John Campbell, Who Failed To Add To His Overnight Score. New Zealand Applied Pressure In The Opening Exchanges, But Hodge Soon Released It With A Flurry Of Boundaries, Striking Three Fours In Nine Deliveries.
Duffy Struck Again In The First Hour, Ending Brandon King’s Fluent Innings On 63, But The Momentum Remained With The Visitors.
Hodge Anchors, Partnerships Build
Hodge found an able partner in Tevin Imlach as the pair stitched together a steady 66-run stand for the third wicket. Hodge reached his half-century shortly before lunch as West Indies moved to 206 for 2, firmly in control of the session.
New Zealand struck soon after the break, with Michael Rae dismissing Imlach for 27. Hodge then combined with Alick Athanaze to frustrate the hosts further, adding 81 for the fourth wicket. Athanaze fell five short of a deserved fifty, becoming Ajaz Patel’s first Test wicket at home after 22 matches.
Late Blows, But Windies Hold Firm
Hodge and Justin Greaves ensured West Indies crossed the 300-run mark with a mix of patience and timely boundaries. The hosts took the second new ball at the earliest opportunity, but the visitors reached tea at 310 for 4.
After the interval, the runs continued to flow before Greaves was adjudged LBW to Daryl Mitchell, despite opting for a review. Patel then removed skipper Roston Chase for two, while Hodge enjoyed a slice of fortune when a mistimed shot fell just short of mid-off.
Century On The Stroke Of Stumps
Despite some hostile short bowling from Michael Rae, Hodge remained unflustered and brought up his second Test century in style on the stroke of stumps. Alongside Anderson Phillip, he guided West Indies to 381 for 6 at the close, offering his side renewed belief heading into Day 4.
Brief Scores: New Zealand 575 (Devon Conway 227, Tom Latham 137; Justin Greaves 2-83) West Indies 381 for 6 (Kavem Hodge 109*, Brandon King 63; Jacob Duffy 2-79, Ajaz Patel 2-94) New Zealand lead by 194 runs.
