Kavem Hodge led West Indies' strong fightback on Day 3 of the third Test against New Zealand, helping his team finish on 381/6 at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui. Hodge scored a sublime 109* (254) to help his team avoid the follow-on, along with valuable contributions from Brandon King (63), Alick Athanaze (45) and Justin Greaves (43).

Courtesy of their efforts, the visitors finished the day trailing by 194 runs in the first innings. Earlier in the day, the West Indies were rocked early with John Campbell falling to Jacob Duffy (2/79) without adding to his overnight score. Duffy struck again in the opening hour, removing Brandon King as the hosts built pressure. Hodge, however, responded with three boundaries in nine balls, breaking the early stranglehold and setting the tone for a determined innings.

Tevin Imlach supported Hodge in rebuilding the innings, getting off the mark slowly and then showcasing his intent with a six over long-on off Ajaz Patel and a subsequent boundary. The partnership brought up a crucial 50-run stand, with Hodge reaching his half-century before lunch as West Indies crossed the 200-run mark. Their composure helped stabilise the innings after early losses.
After lunch, New Zealand tightened the field, beginning with two maidens. The pressure paid off when Imlach edged behind against Michael Rae. Alick Athanaze joined Hodge and contributed brisk runs, including four boundaries off Ajaz and Glenn Phillips. Athanaze's innings ended in unusual fashion, bowled via his leg by Ajaz Patel, giving the spinner his first home Test wicket after 22 matches.

New Zealand vs West Indies 3rd Test Day 3 Highlights
The loss of Athanaze for 45 did not halt West Indies' progress, as Hodge and Justin Greaves added valuable runs towards tea. The pair capitalised on the second new ball, reaching the break at 310 for 4. This phase was crucial in the West Indies' push to get closer to the follow-on mark.

Resuming after tea, Hodge struck a pull shot for four while Greaves found boundaries off Zakary Foulkes. Greaves' promising stay was cut short by a nip-backer that trapped him LBW. Shortly after, Ajaz Patel dismissed captain Roston Chase for just two, putting New Zealand back in control. Hodge survived nervous moments, including a mis-hit that landed short of mid-off.

In the closing session, Anderson Phillip and Hodge braved short-pitched bowling from Michael Rae, with both batsmen taking blows to the body. Hodge, having been in the nineties for 32 deliveries, finally brought up his second Test hundred close to stumps, marking a significant milestone for the Dominican as he guided West Indies to the end of the day without further loss.Hodge, having been in the nineties for 32 deliveries, finally brought up his second Test hundred close to stumps, marking a significant milestone for the Dominican as he guided West Indies to the end of the day without further loss.