… credits Radford, time away from team as factors behind success

By Clifton Ross 

FRESH off his match-winning knock, West Indies middle-order Test batsman Jermaine Blackwood said confidence and new approach to batting are the catalysts behind his success. 

During a Zoom interview recently, the Jamaican who bullied his way back into the Test side, after heading the run charts this past Cricket West Indies (CWI) Regional 4-Day season, was oozing confidence following his classy 95.

Blackwood had played a gruelling innings, batting for hours accumulating just 4 fours from 154 balls, during the Caribbean team’s second innings.

Quickly identifying Windies batting coach Toby Radford as one of the figures behind his current run with the bat, Blackwood lauded his coach for the feedback provided during these difficult times of training.

“I work with Toby, I sent him some clips with my training and he communicated back to me, so I thank him for what he has done for me,” he said

Regarding his approach to the innings which helped his side draw first blood in the away series, the Jamaican Scorpions skipper said, “To be honest it wasn’t difficult at all; it was mental for me, it wasn’t too much of a technical thing. I told myself I was going to bat and once I face a 100 or 200 balls I know that I’ll score runs,” said a poised Blackwood.

After dominating the Regional batting charts this past COVID-affected season which Barbados Pride eventually won on points; the right-hander rated his return to the international side and circuit, right up there with his memorable knocks.

“It’s certainly up there having not played for West Indies for about three years. coming back and performing was pretty amazing. I was a bit disappointed when I got out but I was more worried about getting the team across the line,” said and unselfish Blackwood.

With the second Test set for July 16 at Old Trafford, Blackwood who scored his first Test ton in England against the home team back in 2015, said he was more fixed on batting for longer periods rather than just going on and attacking the bowling carelessly.

“Looking back when I started playing I would have gone after the ball from ball one, but this year I said I was going to give myself a chance and bat as long as possible so I wasn’t really thinking much about scoring,” he ended.

Windies will be looking to go 2-0 when the second Test bowls off today at the famous Old Trafford ground in Manchester.