Kavem Hodge’s unbeaten century has led the West Indies’ fightback in response to New Zealand’s mammoth first-innings score, ending Day 3 of the final Test at Bay Oval with the visitors at 381/6.
Hodge completed his second Test hundred, remaining not out on 109, as West Indies avoided the follow-on late on Day 3, giving them a chance to save this Test match. They are still 194 runs behind New Zealand’s total of 575 for 8.
Resuming from their overnight score of 110 for no loss, the Windies continued their strong start. However, Jacob Duffy dismissed John Campbell, who did not add to his overnight score. New Zealand maintained early pressure on the visitors, but Hodge broke the shackles with three boundaries in nine deliveries. Duffy struck again in the first hour, accounting for Brandon King at 63.
Then, Hodge and Tevin Imlach formed a 50-run partnership, and Hodge quickly moved to 50 as the visitors reached 206/2 just before lunch.
After the break, New Zealand ended the 66-run stand between Hodge and Imlach when Michael Rae dismissed the latter for 27. Alick Athanaze joined Hodge, and the pair added 81 for the fourth wicket before Athanaze was out for 45, giving Ajaz Patel his first Test wicket at home after 22 Tests.
Hodge and Justin Greaves struck some timely boundaries as the West Indies crossed the 300-run mark approaching tea. New Zealand took the second new ball as soon as it was available. Although Duffy found some movement, the Windies duo was able to safely navigate to tea at 310 for 4.
After the tea break, Hodge and Greaves continued to time the ball well, collecting boundaries in quick succession. However, Greaves fell victim to a nip-backer from Daryl Mitchell, leading to an LBW decision that he reviewed. Shortly after, Patel sent West Indies captain Roston Chase back for just two runs, while Hodge narrowly avoided a catch to mid-off. Anderson Phillip and Hodge endured some body blows from Michael Rae before Hodge reached his second Test hundred right before stumps.
Hodge and Phillip concluded Day 3 with the score at 381 for 6, still trailing by 194 runs.
Brief Scores: New Zealand 575/8d (Devon Conway 227, Tom Latham 137; Justin Greaves 2-83) lead West Indies 381/6 (Kavem Hodge 109*, Brandon King 63; Jacob Duffy 2-79, Ajaz Patel 2-94) by 194 runs.