MOUNT MAUNGANUI, Dec 20, (V7N) — The West Indies displayed remarkable resilience on the third day of the third Test at Bay Oval, reaching 381 for 6 at stumps in response to New Zealand’s massive first-innings total of 575 for 8 declared. Despite losing key wickets during the day, a defiant unbeaten century from Kavem Hodge helped the visitors avoid the follow-on and close the gap to 194 runs.

The day began with openers John Campbell and Brandon King looking to build on their overnight score of 110 for 0. However, New Zealand pacer Jacob Duffy struck early, dismissing Campbell for 46 after he added just one run to his overnight tally. Duffy soon doubled his success by bowling Brandon King for 63. Middle-order batters Tevin Imlach (27) and Alick Athanaze (45) provided brief resistance before falling to Michael Rae and Ajaz Patel, respectively.

Kavem Hodge proved to be the anchor the Caribbeans needed, battling through a difficult period in the 90s and surviving a painful blow from a delivery by Michael Rae. Hodge reached his second Test century off 224 balls and remained unbeaten on 109 at the close of play. He was supported by Justin Greaves, who made 43 before being trapped lbw by Daryl Mitchell. At stumps, Anderson Phillip was alongside Hodge on 12 not out.

Earlier, New Zealand’s dominant first innings was headlined by a double century from Devon Conway (227) and a century from captain Tom Latham (137). Rachin Ravindra also contributed a quick-fire 72 not out before the declaration. With two days remaining and the West Indies showing grit on a flattening pitch, the match remains intriguingly poised as the visitors look to further reduce the deficit on Sunday.

END/SMA/AJ