I played my natural game: Blackwood

After suffering the embarrassment of a ‘pair’ in the opening match in Antigua last week, Blackwood admitted he was under pressure but responded with a run-a-ball 62 in front his home supporters at Sabina Park. 

“I got really great support from my team-mates … they really were very supportive and took a lot of the pressure off me,” the 24-year-old said. 

“Not getting off the mark in Antigua last week was playing on my mind a bit, but they helped me to relax and I went out and played my natural game.” 

He continued: “When I went out there Marlon (Samuels) was really helpful and encouraged me to stay positive. He told me to back myself and play my shots if I felt there was a ball there to hit.”  

“I felt good at the crease but I would have liked to go on and get a bigger score for the team so we could post a more significant total.” 

He counted seven boundaries and four sixes, getting off the mark with an air-borne drive for four through point before continuing in that vein throughout. He added 81 for the fourth wicket with Samuels (37), after the West Indies slipped to seven runs for three wickets in the first half-hour.