West Indies batsman Kavem Hodge displayed immense resilience on Saturday, grinding out an unbeaten century to steer his team to safety and crucially avoid the follow-on on the third day of the third Test against New Zealand at Mount Maunganui.
Hodge's Painful But Pivotal Knock
The 32-year-old Hodge battled for 224 balls to reach his second Test hundred, finishing the day on 109 not out. His innings, which included 12 fours, was a mix of patience and pain. He survived a dropped catch at slip by Daryl Mitchell on 74 and endured a particularly nervous passage through the 90s, facing 33 balls in that phase. Play was even briefly halted when he was struck painfully in the groin by a delivery from Michael Rae while on 97.
Partnerships Steer Windies to Safety
Hodge was the cornerstone of several key partnerships that rebuilt the West Indies innings after early setbacks. He first added 81 runs with Justin Greaves, a stand that took the team past the follow-on mark of 376. Earlier, he had built half-century alliances with Tevin Imlach and Alick Athanaze. At stumps, the West Indies were 381 for 6, still 194 runs behind New Zealand's first-innings total of 575 for 8 declared, but with the vital objective of avoiding the follow-on achieved.
New Zealand's Fightback and Unfortunate Absences
New Zealand found breakthroughs at crucial moments. Part-time bowler Daryl Mitchell trapped Justin Greaves lbw for 43, claiming only his fourth Test wicket in his 35th match. Spinner Ajaz Patel then dismissed Roston Chase lbw shortly after. The West Indies camp confirmed that key batsman Shai Hope did not bat due to food poisoning, while injured fast bowler Kemar Roach would bat only if necessary.
Nightwatchman Anderson Phillip, unbeaten on 12, had his share of luck. He survived an unappealed edge to the wicketkeeper on two and was later dropped on eight at mid-on.
Early Collapse After Solid Start
The West Indies' day began promisingly as they resumed on 110 without loss. However, they added just one run before Jacob Duffy (2/79) removed John Campbell for 45, ending the first West Indies century opening stand since February 2023. Duffy struck again soon after, bowling Brandon King for 63. The innings was stabilised by Hodge's partnerships, but a moment of misfortune ended Alick Athanaze's promising knock of 45, as he deflected a leg-side delivery onto his stumps.
For New Zealand, Ajaz Patel's (2/94) dismissal of Athanaze ended a long personal drought—it was his first Test wicket on home soil in New Zealand, coming 2,562 days after his home debut and with his 394th delivery bowled in the country.
