Watch Kavem Hodge Loses His Poles To Chris Woakes

Kavem Hodge, who played a crucial role in rescuing the West Indies during the first innings of the second Test, fell early on the opening day of the third Test. West Indies, having been at 97/3 at lunch, sank further into trouble after losing two quick wickets post-lunch.

Skipper Kraigg Brathwaite was dismissed on the last ball of the 29th over, edging a delivery from Chris Woakes to the wicketkeeper, Jamie Smith. Hodge, facing the first ball of the 30th over, left a straight delivery from Woakes, expecting it to move away. However, the ball stayed on a straight trajectory and knocked over his off-stump. Hodge, who had batted for 171 balls in the previous innings, lasted just 11 balls this time as West Indies continued to crumble on the first day of the third Test.

Mikyle Louis and Brathwaite had contributed 76 runs for the opening wicket, but in the next 60 runs, West Indies lost five more wickets. The team has struggled to cope with the pace of Mark Wood and the accurate bowling of Chris Woakes.

With the series already lost, West Indies are in a precarious position in this final Test. The series defeat has dropped them to tenth place in the World Test Championship (WTC) standings, having won only one of their six matches and lost four.

England, conversely, have risen to sixth place in the WTC table. They won the first Test by an innings and 114 runs and the second by 241 runs.

The early dismissal of Hodge has exposed West Indies’ lower order. Jason Holder and Joshua Da Silva, the last recognized batsmen, need to build a substantial partnership to salvage the innings. With a session and a half remaining, West Indies face the risk of being bowled out soon.

Earlier, West Indies’ captain won the toss and chose to bat. Gudakesh Motie replaced Kevin Sinclair, who was injured by a delivery from Mark Wood, while Shamar Joseph joined the XI. Alongside Alzarri Joseph, they have a significant role to play if West Indies hope to challenge England in this Test.