West Indies batsman Jermaine Blackwood is optimistic about rediscovering his positive mindset while batting, hoping it will lead to significant contributions in the upcoming two-match Test series against India, set to commence on July 12 in Dominica.
During India's previous Test tour of the West Indies, they emerged victorious in both matches. Blackwood had limited opportunities, featuring in just one innings where he scored 38 runs as a concussion substitute in the match at Sabina Park in Kingston, Jamaica.
With the series marking the beginning of the 2023-2025 ICC World Test Championship cycle for both teams, Blackwood is eagerly anticipating the contest against India. Reflecting on his previous performances, he expressed his determination to improve, stating, "Last time I played against India, I didn't achieve the desired runs."
Blackwood, 31, emphasized his positive mindset and the significant amount of work he has put into his preparation, instilling him with confidence for the upcoming series. He shared his aspirations, saying, "This time around, I am in a different space because I have been putting in a lot of work, and hopefully, I can score big runs in this series," as quoted by the Jamaica Gleaner.
The first Test match between India and West Indies will take place at Windsor Park in Dominica from July 12-16. It will be followed by the second Test at Queen's Park Oval in Trinidad from July 20-24, which will also commemorate the 100th Test match between India and West Indies.
Blackwood has been actively participating in local competitions as part of his preparation for the Tests against India. Despite West Indies' recent Test series loss against South Africa earlier this year, the diminutive right-handed batsman, who has accumulated 2839 runs in 54 matches, including three centuries and 18 fifties, is confident in the team's ability to put up a strong fight against India.
"We have been playing some good cricket for the past two years, and this year, we want to take it up a notch. India is one of the top teams in the world, but we have to put up a good fight, and we have players who can do that," Blackwood concluded.
As the Test series draws near, Jermaine Blackwood's determination to regain his positive mindset and deliver substantial contributions adds an exciting element to West Indies' preparations for the challenging encounters against India.