Blackwood hails Russell, Richards

JermaineBlackwood - Cropped

West Indies batsman Jermaine Blackwood paid tribute to Andre Russell and Viv Richards after his century against England on Wednesday.

Blackwood made his maiden Test century, finishing unbeaten on 112 as West Indies trailed England by 104 runs after the first innings.

The 23-year-old lauded Russell, a regular in the nation's limited-overs squads who has played just one Test.

"Andre is like my big brother," Blackwood told a news conference.

"I've known him for about 10 years and I'm staying with him in Jamaica. We live under the same roof. We train at home and we talk a lot about cricket.

"Even this morning he sent me advice on my phone. He said stay focused, stay positive, bat for long and make sure I score a century for him."

Blackwood also hailed West Indies legend Richards, who he said had already played an important role in his young career.

"He talks to me always about staying positive. He tells me to play the way I play, but be patient," he said.

"He was always telling me to be patent but positive at the same time."

Blackwood was unbeaten on 112 when West Indies were bowled out for 295, with England eventually holding a 220-run lead at the end of day three.

Asked if he was annoyed by the failure of his team-mates to hang around with him, Blackwood said it was just part of the game.

"It's cricket. I wasn't frustrated," he said.

"I was trying to push on a little bit because I was trying to get... the score as close to England's target."

Author(s)