Caribbean Premier League (CPL) franchise Jamaica Tallawahs have roped in Jermaine Blackwood ahead of CPL 2020. Blackwood got his rewards for his stellar show during West Indies’s recent Test series against England.
Blackwood was perhaps the best batsman for the Caribbeans during their 2-1 series defeat against England. He struck a fighting 95 in the fourth innings of the first Test in Southampton as the tourists chased down 200 for the win.
Jamaica Tallawahs rope in Jermaine Blackwood
Jermaine Blackwood ended the series with 211 runs in three Test at an average of over 35 including three half-centuries. Jamaica have also drafted bowling all-rounder Ramaal Lewis for CPL 2020 after two players came in contact with a COVID-19 positive cricketer from Jamaica.
Andre McCarthy and Jeavor Royal, who were a part of the Jamaica Tallawahs for CPL 2020 would not be a part of this year’s campaign. They came in contact with another cricketer who tested COVID-19 positive. While the duo’s first tests have returned negatives, the protocols state that players must return with two negatives to partake in the competition.
Meanwhile, Jermaine Blackwood’s T20 graph isn’t too overwhelming as he has managed only 162 runs from 19 games. He will hope to revive his form in CPL 2020 and push his case for West Indies limited-overs side. The Tallawahs will bank on the likes of Andre Russell, skipper Rovman Powell, and Carlos Brathwaite to lead the charge.
This year’s CPL will take place entirely in Trinidad and Tobago due to COVID-19 outbreak. Also, the games will take place behind closed doors. The Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba will play as hosts for 23 games including the semi-final and final while the Queen Park’s Oval in Trinidad will stage the remaining ten games.
The tournament will run from August 18 and the finals will take place on September 11.
