Profile:
Ian Blackwell
is a burly left-handed batsman who uses his large frame to
bludgeon the ball with tremendous power.
He first came to attention with a
fine 97 for Derbyshire in a one-day league game against Glamorgan
in 1999. But, not entirely happy, he was part of large exodus from
the club at the end of that season, and joined Somerset.
He soon became a key member of
their side, recording a maiden first-class hundred in 2000 and
winning his cap in 2001. He managed a first-class average in
excess of 50 that year, hitting four first-class centuries in the
course of helping Somerset to one of their finest ever seasons,
including clinching the C & G Trophy. Against Northants he
struck two centuries in the match, and was considered unlucky not
to win a place in the first academy squad.
Blackwell's batting continued to
develop in 2002. He was selected, on the back of some good
performances for Somerset - particularly an innings of 86 in the
televised semi-final of the C&G Trophy against Kent - as a
replacement for the injured Andy Flintoff for the 2002 ICC Trophy.
He made an immediate impact, following his ODI debut 17 against
Zimbabwe with a 68-ball innings of 82 against India which included
three sixes. In defeat he was England's one successful bowler,
dismissing centurion Virender Sehwag caught and bowled. He also
won a place in the academy squad to travel to Australia under the
tutelage of Rod Marsh for the 2002-2003 winter.
A promising but raw left-arm
spinner he is adept at keeping an end tight and recorded
career-best figures of 5-49 against Hampshire in August 2002.
Blackwell is a favourite with Somerset supporters as much for his
cheerful demeanour as the positive way he plays his game,
inheriting the mantle of swashbuckling all-rounders in the spirit
of Richards and Botham. (Copyright CricInfo October 2002)
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