They say it’s never too late for a shower of rain, and for Jermaine Blackwood, 2025 represents a chance for a downpour of redemption.
The experienced right-hander is on a mission—hungry, determined, and laser-focused on reclaiming his place in the minds of regional fans and, more importantly, in the West Indies Test team.
For Blackwood, 2024 was a year to forget in red-ball cricket. A dismal run in the West Indies Championship saw him score just 88 runs in nine innings for the Jamaica Scorpions, a stretch that led to him losing the captaincy and, eventually, his spot in the team. This setback came just months after he had also lost his place in the West Indies Test squad.
Now 33, Blackwood has approached the 2025 season with renewed energy and purpose. And if the first round of the tournament is anything to go by, he has every reason to believe that this could be the season that propels him back to international cricket.
Blackwood made his intentions clear in the opening round of the 2025 West Indies Championship, delivering a match-defining century that piloted the Jamaica Scorpions to an emphatic 178-run victory over the Windward Islands Volcanoes at Arnos Vale Sports Complex.
Known for his aggressive stroke play, Blackwood showcased a more measured and calculated approach, crafting a crucial 109 off 215 balls. His innings, which included nine boundaries, marked his ninth first-class century and set the foundation for a decisive win in challenging conditions.
“Coming out of the Super50, I had a decent tournament, but I felt like I should have scored at least one century,” Blackwood reflected. “I told myself that I was going to use this four-day season to score a few hundreds, given the volume of work I’ve been putting in back home. I know how important this season is for both me and the team,” he said in a CWI interview.
Despite his naturally attacking instincts, Blackwood has spent the past few months refining both his technique and mindset. A key influence in his mental transformation has been his conversations with fellow West Indian cricketer, all- rounder Andre Russell.
“I’ve been putting in a lot more work in the gym, focusing on strength and conditioning. But beyond that, I’ve had long conversations with Andre, and those talks have kept me grounded mentally. He has created a safe space for me to express myself, and that has helped a lot. Whenever I’m in a good mental space, I tend to score a lot of runs, and right now, I feel great,” Blackwood shared.
That newfound clarity was evident against the Volcanoes, where Blackwood followed up his first-innings century with a composed half-century in the second innings. The twin knocks pushed him past the milestone of 8,000 first-class runs, a feat he acknowledges but refuses to dwell on.
“It’s a great feeling, but my goal is to score as many runs as possible. I’m not setting any limits for myself this season,” he said. “Whenever I’m in this type of form and mental space, there are no limits—no settling,” he declared.
While the personal milestones are gratifying, Blackwood remains fixated on a larger goal—forcing his way back into the West Indies Test squad.
“I do have my eyes set on getting back into the West Indies team, but I know I have to put in the performances first,” he admitted. “I need to score the runs that selectors and coaches can’t ignore. I still have a good few years left in me, and I’m determined to pile on the runs until I retire.”
With three debutants in the Jamaica Scorpions lineup—Javelle Glen, Daniel Beckford, and 17-year-old leg-spinner Tamarie Redwood—Blackwood embraces the role of being a senior statesman in the team.
“If a team doesn’t have senior players, it can be difficult for younger guys to develop. My role is important, and one way of leading is by performing,” he noted. “Since I first came into the Jamaica setup, I’ve always had the responsibility of scoring runs. There’s no pressure—just a love for the game and a passion for seeing young players grow and represent Jamaica,” Blackwood reasoned.
The Scorpions endured a difficult 2024 campaign, winning just two of their seven matches. However, Blackwood believes that this season brings renewed optimism, especially on the back of a strong Super50 performance. Their next assignment is against Leeward Islands Hurricanes.
“We have a very good leader in John Campbell, and you could see the unity and growth in the squad during the Super50 tournament. That builds confidence and belief in the team. If we continue playing this way, we have a real shot at claiming the title,” he ended.
