Blackwood banking on home comforts

Out-of-form West Indies batsman Jermaine Blackwood is banking on familiarity with home conditions to see him through as he seeks to get back to his best.

The young Jamaican, who began his career in style when he averaged just above 50 runs, has seen his statistics take a dip in recent times particularly since the team's tour of Australia late last year.

This stretch has seen him score four zeros in his last seven innings, two of which took place in the first Test against touring India at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua earlier this week.

''Nothing really is going on,'' responded Blackwood, when asked to comment on his recent spate of failures.''It's all about putting in some hard work in the nets and hopefully I can come up with a big score in the next game.''

The next game, which the 24-year-old Westmoreland native refers to is the second Test, which is slated to get going on Saturday at Sabina Park.

extra confidence

''It's my second time playing for the West Indies in front of my home crowd and I hope I can get some extra confidence from this,'' stated Blackwood, who along with members of the West Indies team, as well as the Indians, arrived in the country yesterday.

''Sabina Park is where I grew up playing cricket, and I am familiar with the ground and the pitches so I am looking forward to going out there and playing some good cricket.''

Blackwood, who has seen his average drop to 30.16 in 16 matches is also not allowing his slump in form to get to him, saying that all he needs to do is to remain positive.

''I am a very positive person and I always want to do good for my country,'' he said. ''I have also been getting positive feedback from coaching staff and the players so it is now just for me to go out there and execute.''

The West Indies selectors have named an unchanged squad for the match-up.