NORTH SOUND, Antigua (CMC) — Jermaine Blackwood has hailed the influence of the legendary Sir Vivian Richards, along with Jamaica and West Indies teammates Andre Russell and Chris Gayle, following his maiden Test hundred here on Wednesday.

The 23-year-old, in only his sixth Test, stroked a superb unbeaten 112 to help fire West Indies up to 295 in their first innings, in reply to England’s 399 on the third day of the opening against England at the Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium.

He told reporters that Sir Viv had always impressed on him the importance of combining patience with positive stroke-play.

“I met Viv at the [High Performance Centre] last year and he’s been a very important person [in my career],” Blackwood said.

“He’s taught me a lot and I’ve really learned a lot from Viv. He’s always been talking to me about staying positive and always continuing to play the way I play, but to be just a bit patient. He was always telling me to stay patient and positive at the same time.”

Both these elements characterised Blackwood’s innings. He consumed 224 balls and 51/2 hours at the crease, but also slammed 14 fours and two sixes, in a display of his aggression.

He also praised Russell, describing him as a “big brother” who has always provided encouragement and inspiration.

“Andre Russell is like my big brother. I’ve known him for about 10 years now and I actually stay with Russell in Jamaica right now. I’m from Westmoreland, but he’s from [Old Harbour in] St Catherine, and we actually live under the same roof, so he’s like a big brother to me,” Blackwood explained.

“Almost every day we train at home and I always put in the hard work. Russell and I always talk about cricket and even this morning he sent me a voice note on my phone telling me to stay focused and positive, bat for long, and make sure I get the century for him.”

Blackwood, who made his Test debut against New Zealand last year in the Caribbean, said he was thrilled to finally reach three figures after making three half-centuries in his short career.

He also pointed out that Gayle, who like Russell is currently campaigning in the Indian Premier League, had also given him plenty support during the innings.

“It was a very special moment. I’ve been getting a lot of messages from my family and everybody back home, a lot of close friends, and they just wanted me to capitalise on the score that I had overnight and go on and make a big hundred,” he explained.

“And Chris, Chris is like my father. I talk to Chris like almost every day and he was backing me all the way to make the hundred.”

Starting the day on 30, Blackwood survived a drop on a chance on 43, to reach his half-century before lunch. He then had to negotiate a barrage of short-pitched bowling from England’s seamers, as they tried to dislodge him with aggression.

The right-hander said he had been unfazed by the method of attack.

“It’s Test cricket. I’m used to it. I’m from Jamaica [and] there are a lot of fast bowlers from Jamaica so I’m not afraid of any short balls,” he said nonchalantly.

“I would take one or two licks (blows), but after that the bowlers are going to get tired and that is the time I’m going to dominate,” said Blackwood.