West Indies, facing a daunting first-innings total from Australia, have mounted a spirited fightback on day three of the first Test at the Adelaide Oval, successfully avoiding the follow-on thanks to a heroic maiden century from Kavem Hodge.
Hodge Leads the Resistance with Gritty Ton
The visitors resumed their innings on a precarious 73 for 6, still trailing by a massive 379 runs. The task seemed monumental, but the lower order, led by the resilient Kavem Hodge, had other plans. Hodge, playing in only his second Test match, displayed immense patience and skill to craft a magnificent maiden Test hundred.
He found crucial support from wicketkeeper Joshua Da Silva, with whom he added a vital 149-run partnership for the seventh wicket. Da Silva contributed a solid 57 runs, providing the stability the innings desperately needed. Hodge's marathon knock of 123 runs came off 238 balls and included 11 boundaries and 3 sixes, anchoring the innings for over five hours.
Australia's Bowling Attack Persists
The Australian bowlers, led by captain Pat Cummins and spinner Nathan Lyon, toiled hard on a pitch that offered some assistance. Cummins was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with figures of 4 for 41 in 17 overs, showcasing his relentless accuracy. Lyon, operating from one end for long periods, managed to claim 3 wickets for 81 runs.
Despite the partnership between Hodge and Da Silva, Australia eventually managed to bowl West Indies out for 283 runs in their first innings. This gave the hosts a significant but not insurmountable first-innings lead of 169 runs.
Match Poised for an Intriguing Finish
Having avoided the follow-on, West Indies gained a crucial psychological advantage. Australia, in their second innings, decided against enforcing the follow-on and opted to bat again. At stumps on day three, they had reached 29 for 1 in 11 overs, extending their overall lead to 198 runs.
Opener Steve Smith was dismissed for 11 runs, caught behind off the bowling of Kemar Roach. Marnus Labuschagne (5*) and nightwatchman Nathan Lyon (8*) will resume the innings on day four.
With two days remaining, the match is intriguingly poised. Australia will look to set a massive target, while West Indies will hope for early wickets to keep their hopes of an unlikely draw or even a victory alive. The fightback, spearheaded by Hodge's memorable century, has ensured this Test match remains compellingly alive.
