West Indies want quick end to England innings: Jermaine Blackwood

Jermaine Blackwood

Bridgetown (Barbados), May 3 (IANS) Middle-order batsman Jermaine Blackwood has said the West Indies are focused on wrapping up the England second innings early on Sunday, the third day of the third Test, as they chase a series-levelling victory at Kensington Oval.

England finished the second day on Saturday tottering on 39 for five in their second innings - an overall lead of just 107 runs, reports CMC.

"We're confident (we can win it) but we still have five wickets to get. So, we're just going to come tomorrow (Sunday) and try to get the five wickets as fast as possible and try to reduce them to under 200," Blackwood said on Saturday.

"Hopefully our batters can go out there and do the job after we get the five wickets."

On a topsy-turvy day when 18 wickets tumbled, England lost their last three wickets for just 17 runs to be bowled out for 257 in their first innings.

West Indies then crumbled for 189 all out in reply, with Blackwood the lone batsman to pass 30 as he top-scored with 85 from 88 balls.

He struck 11 fours and four sixes in a typically entertaining knock which propped up the innings after it had slumped to 37 for three at lunch at 137 for seven at tea.

"I played every ball on merit. Once I got the bad (balls) I put them away and the good balls I just stayed positive. (I tried to) bat long, that's the key, and once I batted long I know I would make runs, in any form of cricket," said Blackwood, whose half-century was his fourth in just seven Tests.

"Today I was trying to bat some balls because the team was in a bit of a problem so I just went out there with a clear mind to bat long and also to score, so it makes a difference with attacking at the same time."

He added: "The coaching staff always tells me to play my game but just be mindful of the situation. Sometimes when I go out to bat the team is a couple wickets down and not a lot of runs on the board so I have to go out there and play my game and once I play my game the team will be good."