Mount Maunganui has been the stage for a slow-burning Test, and just when the draw seemed to be tightening its grip, the contest stirred into life. At the heart of it all was Kavem Hodge, whose hard-earned century kept West Indies firmly in the fight on a draining third day.
Hodge’s hundred came with pain, patience and a touch of drama. On 97, he pushed his body through the agony of a sharp two despite being struck painfully while running. Two runs later, he decided enough was enough, rocking back and pulling the ball to the square-leg fence to reach three figures in emphatic style. West Indies closed the day on 381 for 6, still 194 runs behind but with belief renewed, even as uncertainty hangs over their remaining resources.
There are question marks over two of the wickets still in hand. Shai Hope has been unwell and confined to his hotel room, raising serious doubts about whether he will bat at all. Kemar Roach, meanwhile, continues to nurse a hamstring injury picked up on the opening day, leaving West Indies potentially light on depth as the match heads into its final phase.
New Zealand, however, remain quietly confident of forcing a result. After a long, attritional day on a surface that dulled pace and movement, they finally found a way through late in the evening session. Daryl Mitchell’s gentle medium pace brought the breakthrough, trapping Justin Greaves lbw, before Ajaz Patel struck just three balls later to remove Roston Chase. After hours of frustration and a succession of stubborn partnerships, two unlikely bowlers cracked the resistance.
Until then, West Indies had been commendably solid. Four of their top five batters spent time settling in, repeatedly building fifty-plus stands and refusing to let New Zealand run away with the game. The pitch demanded patience, and the visitors largely delivered it.
Hodge’s own Test journey has mirrored the nature of this match. He arrived in New Zealand under pressure, having been dropped earlier in the year after a lean run of form. By his own admission, he understood the decision. Given another opportunity on this tour, he went back to basics, studying how to counter movement and committing to a clear plan. With a background in sports science, Hodge leaned into analysis rather than doubt, backing his strengths square of the wicket and trusting his defence. The result was an innings built on discipline, awareness of off stump and growing confidence as time at the crease passed.
He was not alone in showing promise. Tevin Imlach, stepping in at No. 4 in Hope’s absence, played with intent and imagination, including a bold charge down the track to Ajaz Patel for a straight six. Alick Athanaze looked elegant and assured, his back-foot play a standout as he stroked punches and cuts with ease. Greaves, too, hinted at bigger things, blending restraint with occasional authority.
Yet all three fell before fully cashing in. Imlach drove loosely to depart for 27, Athanaze suffered cruel luck when a ball he left deflected onto his stumps after brushing his back leg, and Greaves was undone by a straight one from Mitchell. On a day when New Zealand’s batters had been ruthless earlier in the match, West Indies understood they had missed opportunities.
With the ball, New Zealand showed improved discipline and resilience. Jacob Duffy continued to lead the attack with energy and purpose, Ajaz Patel exploited drift and dip cleverly despite limited pace, and the seamers persisted even as conditions flattened out. It was a collective effort that reflected a side growing in patience and belief.
As the Test heads into its final two days, the balance remains delicate. West Indies have heartened themselves through Hodge’s resolve, while New Zealand have proof that breakthroughs can still come. The slow burn at Mount Maunganui is far from over, and the final act promises tension to match the patience already demanded.
