Centurion Blackwood wants team to feed off confidence heading into 2nd Test
Both Jermaine Blackwood (left) and Alzarri Joseph played top innings but in vain
Both Jermaine Blackwood (left) and Alzarri Joseph played top innings but in vain

-Credits Joseph for taking pride in batting

By Clifton Ross 

West Indies lone centurion Jermaine Blackwood, said he hopes his innings coupled with that of Alzzari Joseph’s ; is enough to give his team some much needed confidence heading into the 2nd Test which bowls off Friday at Wellington. After losing the T20 series, the Windies endured further woes as Blackwood’s 2nd Test ton, a classy 104 from 141 balls, failed to prevent the Caribbean Boys from suffering a thumping innings and 134-run loss. Salvaging some positives from the loss, Blackwood told the media during the post-match press conference, that from a personal perspective, he was happy to have played well for his team.

“This time there was less pressure, I felt less pressure batting this time around. When I was in the 90s I was more confident, I was telling myself that I can get the job done and to be able to score a hundred for myself and team, it’s a very good feeling”. Said the Jamaican. Seemingly one of the players to enjoy his pre-series practice and training, Blackwood credited the preparatory stages of the tour as factors behind his success in the first Test match. “I worked hard and I trusted in my preparations because it was good leading into the series. I just want to thank my coaches because I’m more comfortable with the short ball, I’m from Jamaican so normally I’d play on a bouncy track at Sabina Park so I tried to stay positive and in the right frame of mind and play every ball as possible on its merit”.Blackwood explained.

After a top order collapse, Blackwood and pacer Joseph then dropped anchor and piled on a massive, resurgent 155-run 8th wicket stand, with the latter smashing a 126-ball 86. Crediting his teammate, who is one of the Windies strike bowlers but had enough dedication to focus on his batting, Blackwood thanked the youngster for showing maturity during a crisis period for his team. “He (Alzarri) said I’m going to stay with you so I trusted him. I thought he played a very good innings, during his stroke-making he looked very comfortable with the short ball and the drives. He’s a player who loves to bat and takes pride in his batting so I really wanted him to cross the 3 figure mark but nevertheless I’m pleased with the support he had given me”.

He continued, “Going forward I hope the team gets some confidence from me and Alzzari’s confidence. I think we prepare well as a team and the team has got a lot of positives from us, so going forward I think you will see a better batting performance from the West Indies”. He ended. Meanwhile, the second Test will bowl off on Friday at Wellington where the tourist’s will seek to draw second blood and save the series.

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