Bonner thrilled with England opportunity

Two years ago, Nkrumah Bonner could not even make the Jamaica senior men’s cricket team. Fast-forward to the present, and the right-handed batsman is among the 25 players that will be travelling to England for the West Indies’ three-Test tour starting in July.

The 31-year-old Bonner described his selection as a proud moment for himself and his family, adding that the call-up was something he has dreamt of all his life.

“The feeling to know that I am in the West Indies Test squad is highly emotional, but I am ready for it and if I should make my debut, it will be a very proud moment because two years ago I was struggling to make the Jamaica team, and to know that I am one of the eight batsmen in (the squad from) the Caribbean, that is a good feeling and I am eager to show my talent,” Bonner told The Gleaner.

Bonner’s prolific season with the bat in the 2020 West Indies Championship did not go unnoticed, as his 523 runs in seven matches ensured he punched his ticket as one of the batsmen on tour.

This will be Bonner’s second trip with the West Indies team to the UK, having made his T20 debut back in 2011 at the Oval.

“As a cricketer, you have to go in different conditions to prove your worth. England is one of the toughest places to make your international debut, but it is also one of the places that can make you, so I am looking forward to the challenge to face the skilled England bowlers, and all I can do is stick to the basics and work on my mental and tactical game,” Bonner added.