Blackwood eyeing Windies recall

Jamaica Scorpions batsman Jermaine Blackwood says he is looking to reclaim a place in the West Indies Test squad following his impressive 2020 season with the bat in the West Indies four-day Championship.

Blackwood currently tops the batting after eight rounds with the most runs in the tournament with 768 in 15 innings with one century and six half-centuries at an average of 51.20.

The middle-order batsman has been one of the most consistent performers this season which allowed him to achieve the feat of getting the highest individual score of 248 runs, the seventh-highest score in regional first-class cricket.

Blackwood explained that the double-century knock against the Leeward Islands Hurricanes at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium was one of his most memorable.

“The innings may have looked easy but the pitch was not easy, I had to fight very hard against Alzzari Joseph and the other bowlers and back myself because when I was fielding I saw that the wicket was a bit two-paced but I aimed to get to 250 but I am satisfied with the score that I got.”

For Blackwood, all the hard work and consistency put in the off season have been paying off and the ultimate goal is to get back a place in the senior West Indies side.

“I am always looking to get back in the West Indies team and I know once I score runs, I will always keep my name in the selectors’ minds,” said Blackwood.

NEW TRAINING REGIME

The diminutive right-hander said his holistic approach to batting has changed with the addition of new training and fitness regimes.

“I told myself that I wanted to get fitter and it is proving to be a lot more helpful for me, I am more confident in my approach and my concentration level is much higher because I can leave the good balls and put away the bad balls easier,” added Blackwood.

Head coach of the Jamaica Scorpions, Andre Coley, was beaming with pride at the mention of Blackwood’s name and he believes it is only a matter of time before he sees the 28-year-old back on the international stage.

“His whole approach this season has been different, he has shown more application and willingness to stay at the crease and put a higher price on his wicket, it is a testament to the hard work which he has put in and he has surely put his name in the hat for West Indies selection,” said Coley.