WELLINGTON: Kavem Hodge produced a defiant unbeaten century to help West Indies avoid the follow-on and reach 381-6 on day three of the third and final Test against New Zealand at Mount Maunganui on Saturday. Despite the effort, the tourists, who trail 1-0 in the series, remain 194 runs behind New Zealand’s imposing first-innings total of 575-8 declared.
Hodge was unbeaten on 109 after a marathon 254-ball stay, striking 14 fours in a display of patience and resolve. He found support from Anderson Phillip, who was 12 not out after surviving 55 deliveries at the close.
West Indies had started the day positively at 110 without loss, but Jacob Duffy struck twice soon after play resumed, removing openers John Campbell for 45 and Brandon King for 63. Hodge then anchored the innings, forging three vital 50-plus partnerships with Tevin Imlach (27), Alick Athanaze (45) and Justin Greaves (43).
Athanaze was dismissed attempting to pad away an Ajaz Patel delivery, while Greaves wasted a review after being trapped lbw by Daryl Mitchell. Hodge also rode his luck, surviving a dropped catch on 74, and showed resilience after being struck painfully by a Michael Rae delivery, recovering to pull the bowler for four to reach his second Test hundred.
“We always say that a batsman’s currencies are runs, and I’m just happy that I was able to contribute to the team,” Hodge said, reflecting on an innings that kept West Indies alive in the contest.
