Blackwood shows he belongs

PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad –Jermaine Blackwood scored a high-quality half-century in his first Test Match innings as West Indies kept control after the third day of the second Test against New Zealand on Wednesday.

The 22-year-old made 63 in 2 ½ hours off 110 balls with six crisp boundaries and two towering sixes as West Indies made 460 – a first innings lead of 239. New Zealand will resume Thursday at 73-1.

Blackwood was involved in crucial eighth-wicket stand of 76 with skipper Denesh Ramdin – who made 32 in his first match as captain on home soil. The newcomer also added 47 for the seventh wicket with Shivnarine Chanderpaul – who made 47.

Blackwood was composed from the start of his innings and played with confidence and assurance. He said afterwards that even though he was made to work hard for his runs, he was delighted with the effort.

“It was a wonderful feeling going to the crease and batting with the great Shivnarine Chanderpaul. I was a bit nervous at the start but he kept telling me just to play myself in and try to relax, back my ability and play what I know,” said Blackwood.

“It was not easy. I fought right through and played on merit. I tried to play positive and I was always looking for singles. I always look to score and be positive. I’m happy with the lead we have but we still have to apply the pressure on New Zealand and look to continue to look for the wickets and try to level the series.”

Blackwood, a graduate of the Sagicor West Indies High Performance Centre, said the time spent there was a defining period in his career.

“The time there meant a lot. Everyday I got to train and work on my game. The coaches were brilliant and I was able to bat for hours and learn a lot of cricket and about life,” he said.