In the absence of their captain Shai Hope who is unwell, Kavem Hodge led West Indies' fightback in the third Test of the series at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui. Hodge's second Test ton, supported by 40s from Alick Athanaze and Justin Greaves helped West Indies post 381/6 and reduce the deficit to 194 runs.
Partnership broken early but Hodge leads the way
Starting Day 3 at 110 for no loss, West Indies lost their first wicket in the second over. Jacob Duffy broke the partnership with John Campbell's wicket. He got caught at second slip with a 67-ball 45. Hodge found boundaries at the start of the innings. Not too deep into the first session, Duffy knocked over Brandon King. He fell for a 104-ball 63.
Shortly after the drinks break, Hodge took the attacking approach, hitting Michael Rae for three consecutive fours. Tevin Imlach took on Ajaz Patel hitting him for a six and a four. In the 52nd over of the innings, Hodge reached his fifty from 85 balls. At the end of first session, West Indies were 206/2.
Two dismissals in 2nd session
Early into the second session, Imlach lost his concentration, went for a drive away from the body and got out caught behind. Rae dismissed him for a 67-ball 27. Hodge went into defensive mode after Athanaze arrived at the crease. He did not look to take risks. Athanaze punished the bad balls and closed in on his fifty. He had an unlucky dismissal against Patel, looking to bad the ball away but it crashed into leg stump. He scored 45 runs from 57 deliveries. Hodge got a reprieve in the 78th over as Daryl Mitchell put down a half chance. At the end of second session, West Indies were 310/4 with Hodge and Greaves in the middle.
2 more wickets fall, Hodge stands strong
Hodge and Greaves did not look timid against the second new ball. They punched on the opportunities to find boundaries. Daryl Mitchell was handed the ball and he delivered with Greaves' wicket, getting him out lbw. Greaves scored 43 runs from 69 balls. Then, Patel got into the act and trapped skipper Roston Chase in front of the stumps.
In the 105th over, Hodge was hit on the box after an inside edge. He took the attacking route and hit a four to reach his second Test hundred. He faced 223 deliveries to reach the three figures. Late into the third session, Rae put down an easy chance at mid-on. Anderson Phillip was batting on 10 at that moment. Hodge hit a boundary off the penultimate ball of the day. He remained unbeaten for 109 off 254 deliveries. On the other end, Phillip faced 55 balls to score 12 runs.
It is unclear whether Hope will bat on Day 4. West Indies would look to reduce the deficit further and give themselves a chance to stay in the final game of the series.