Sir Viv tips Blackwood as one for the future after maiden ton

Thu, Apr 16, '15

NORTH SOUND, Antigua (CMC) -- West Indies legend Sir Vivian Richards has likened Jermaine Blackwood to "a bit of Collis King", and believes the young Jamaican has the making of a "good batsman in the middle" for the West Indies in the long-term future.

Sir Viv, one of the greatest batsmen of all time, was speaking on the 29th anniversary of his world record 56-ball century against England at the Antigua Recreational Ground.

He was on hand to see Blackwood score his maiden Test match century, an unbeaten 112, on the third day of the opening Test here yesterday.

"He reminds me sort of a guy like Collis King, a kind of batsman with that wonderful natural ability who can play the big, strong shots, but can also bat you out of a difficult situation," Sir Viv said.