Kavem Hodge led a strong West Indies fightback on Day 3 of the third Test against New Zealand, helping his team to 381/6 at the Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui. Hodge played a stunning 109* (254) to help his side avoid the follow-on, alongside valuable contributions from Brandon King (63), Alick Athanaz (45) and Justin Greaves (43).
Thanks to their efforts, the visitors ended the day at the loss of 194 runs in the first innings. Earlier in the day, West Indies were rocked early as John Campbell fell to Jacob Duffy (2/79) without adding to his overnight score. Duffy struck again in the opening hour, removing Brandon King as the home side built the pressure. However, Hodge responded with three boundaries in nine balls to break the early stranglehold and set the tone for the deciding innings.
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Tevin Imlach supported Hodge in rebuilding the innings, slowly coming down the mark before showing his intent for a six over long-on off Ajaz Patel and a subsequent boundary. The partnership produced a crucial 50 runs, with Hodge reaching his half-century before lunch as West Indies crossed the 200-run mark. Their composure helped steady the innings after early losses.
After lunch, New Zealand tightened up the field, starting with two maidens. The pressure paid off when Imlach lined up for Michael Rae. Alick Athanaze joined Hodge and contributed brisk runs, including four boundaries off Ajaz and Glenn Phillips. Athanaze’s innings ended in unusual fashion, bowled by Ajaz Patel over leg to give the spinner his first home Test wicket in 22 matches.
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The loss of Athanaz for 45 did not halt West Indies’ progress as Hodge and Justin Greaves added valuable runs towards tea. The pair capitalized on the second new ball to reach the break at 310 for 4. This phase was crucial in West Indies’ push to get closer to the follow-on mark.
Hodge continued after tea and struck for four while Greaves found boundaries off Zakary Foulkes. Greaves’ promising stay was cut short by a nip-backer who trapped him LBW. Shortly after, Ajaz Patel dismissed skipper Roston Chase for just two, putting New Zealand back in control. Hodge survived some nervous moments, including a poor tackle that landed just short of mid-on.
In the final over, Anderson Phillip and Hodge took on the short bowling of Michael Rae, with both batsmen receiving blows to the body. Hodge, who had 32 deliveries in the 1990s, eventually brought his second Test hundred close to the stumps, marking a significant milestone for Dominic as he led the West Indies to the end of the day without further loss.
– The end
Issued by:
Rishabh Beniwal
Published on:
December 20, 2025
