Blackwood, Hope elated after half-centuries

Jamaican Jermaine Blackwood and Shai Hope stood out on the opening day of the four day 'Best vs Best' West Indies intra-squad match, following half-century knocks from the two right-handers.

Blackwood, who is leading Team 'A', returned to form with a solid 85, while Hope, who opened the innings, made 79 in their team's first innings total of 264 all out against Jahmar Hamilton's 'B' side who closed the day on 44 for four.

Blackwood's half-century knock was his first since his 68 against Bangladesh in February in Chattogram.

The diminutive right-hander has come under pressure to keep his place in the West Indies team for the upcoming two-Test series against South Africa, however, his 125-ball 85, which included 10 fours and two sixes, is somewhat a return to form for the Jamaican who was one of the most prolific scorers for the regional sides coming into the new year.

Batting ability

It was clear Blackwood intended to bat as many balls as possible, as was evident in the 90 dot balls he also faced. For him, the innings was a timely reminder of his batting ability, and a confidence booster heading into the first Test next week.

"I was looking to bat as long as possible. Once I bat time, I know I am going to score runs because this wicket is very good as the ball is coming on to the bat nicely. I am the type of player that loves that kind of stuff," said Blackwood.

In the meantime, Shai Hope continues to ride his purple patch since coming back into the West Indies one-day team for the Sri Lanka series in early March.

His 79 off 88 balls was his sixth consecutive innings over 50, dating back to his 51 for Barbados against Jamaica in the Super 50 Cup in February.

Hope, who is looking to get his place back in the Test team, says he is happy to capitalise on his rich vein of form.

"It's very important as a batsman to always want to perform whenever you get the opportunity to play. In this instance, I am trying to be as consistent as I can against the best red-ball cricketers in the Caribbean and prove my point, if there is a point to be proven, and continue doing what I can do," said Hope.

Meanwhile, Jamaican opener John Campbell didn't set the place alight as he would have liked, as he scored just 20 runs opening the innings with Hope.