Kavem Hodge’s maiden century brought new life to the West Indies and defied England on an engaging second day of the second Test at Trent Bridge.
The 31-year-old, playing in just his fourth Test, capitalized on a missed catch by Joe Root when he was on 16, going on to score 120 and injecting vitality into the tourists’ innings and the series.
The West Indies, in response to England’s 416, found themselves at 84-3 before Hodge and Alick Athanaze, who made 82, mounted a formidable 175-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Hodge reached his century by driving Ben Stokes for four, celebrating the milestone with an exuberant leap into the arms of batting partner Jason Holder.
Hodge’s valiant innings ended when he was trapped lbw by Chris Woakes, leaving Holder and Joshua da Silva to guide the West Indies to 351-5, trailing by 65 runs.
Under intense heat, England toiled in their first day in the field since the retirement of veteran bowler James Anderson. Mark Wood thrilled the crowd with his express pace but was forced to leave the field during the evening session due to what England hope is only cramp.
Hodge, known for his on-field personality and viral moments during the tour of Australia, showcased his resolve and flair to deliver a memorable hundred.
Starting the day’s play, the West Indies showed improvement from their performance at Lord’s but repeated some errors. Mikyle Louis and Kirk McKenzie were undone by pace and fell to Shoaib Bashir, while captain Kraigg Brathwaite succumbed to a Gus Atkinson bouncer on 48.
Hodge joined Athanaze and adopted a cautious approach, scoring just eight runs from his first 43 deliveries. Had Root held on to a catch off Wood, the West Indies would have been in deeper trouble at 140-4.
England’s bowlers kept the pressure on both batsmen. Hodge took on the short-pitched deliveries, while Athanaze, an elegant driver, was hit on the helmet by a Wood bouncer on 48. Athanaze completed his maiden Test half-century and looked set for a hundred before driving Stokes to gully.
Hodge’s innings reached a crescendo with a punch past mid-off to bring up his century, celebrated with joy and a memorable embrace with Holder. His dismissal by Woakes, confirmed after a review, saw him leave the field to a standing ovation, his bat thrown in frustration but his contribution firmly appreciated.
