Kavem Hodge Scores Second Test Century Against New Zealand

Kavem Hodge scored his second Test century and played a key role as the West Indies showed strong batting on the third day of the third Test against New Zealand. Hodge remained unbeaten on 109 at stumps, while Anderson Phillip contributed 12 runs, helping the team reach 381-6 and avoid the follow-on after replying to New Zealand’s 575-8.

West Indies played without Shai Hope, the first Test century-maker, who missed two days due to illness. New Zealand leads the three-match series 1-0 after a drawn first Test and a nine-wicket win in the second.

Hodge, who scored 120 against England in July 2024, had struggled to pass 50 in 16 innings since then. He batted for over three-and-a-half hours and reached his century from 224 balls with a pull shot from Michael Rae. “I’m grateful and happy to contribute to the team,” Hodge said. “I focused on understanding conditions in New Zealand and working out a plan.”

He came to the crease after John Campbell was dismissed in the second over and formed crucial partnerships: 66 with Tevin Imlach (27), 61 with Alick Athanaze (45), and 81 with Justin Greaves (43). Hodge played New Zealand spinners well and handled pacers confidently, especially on the leg side.

Earlier, Brandon King scored 63 and John Campbell 45 in a 111-run opening partnership, the pair’s first century stand and only the sixth for West Indies in 11 years. Campbell was caught at second slip by Tom Latham off Jacob Duffy, and King was bowled by Duffy as the ball swung late.

New Zealand continued to take wickets as the pitch became slower and showed cracks. Daryl Mitchell and Ajaz Patel removed Greaves and Roston Chase (2) in quick succession, with Patel taking his 86th Test wicket and first in New Zealand.

Shortly before stumps, the West Indies crossed 375, passing the follow-on mark. New Zealand is not expected to enforce the follow-on, having chosen to bat first to avoid batting last on a deteriorating pitch.

The West Indies showed resilience similar to their second innings in the first Test, batting long and steady against a strong New Zealand total.