No COVID fears for Bonner

While some players, due to COVID-19 concerns, have opted out of the West Indies squad which will face England in a three-match Test series in England starting on July 8, Jamaican batsman Nkrumah Bonner says he has no such fears, as he eyes a Test debut.

Darren Bravo, Shimron Hetmyer and Keemo Paul all decided to turn down their selections despite strict social distancing and heightened hygiene protocols being employed for the series, which will be played in a ‘bio-secure’ environment.

Bonner, who played 47 T20 matches for the regional side, believes the West Indies and England officials have done all they can to secure their safety during the series, and says he is comfortable despite the impact of the coronavirus pandemic in England, which has caused over 40,000 deaths to date.

“COVID-19 is a worldwide pandemic, therefore, wherever you are in the world, you should be concerned, because you can be affected. But full credit to CWI (Cricket West Indies) and the English Cricket Board, because they will do everything in their power to keep us safe, so at this time I do not have any more worries than I had before,” Bonner told The Gleaner.

Bonner, whose impressive 523 runs in seven matches in the 2020 Regional Four-Day tournament forced the selectors’ hands, says although he is excited, he is prepared to give his best.

DIFFERENT EXPERIENCE

“Making runs is a process but I try to value every innings I get, whether I am playing for Jamaica or Senior Cup. That has been working for me and I don’t intend to change. It (Test cricket) will be a total different experience and it will require more thinking and motivation. But I am prepared for the challenge and I am definitely going to value my innings when I get the opportunity,” said Bonner.

“I am going to enjoy the experience and give my best. At the end of the series, if I play any game, I want to look myself in the mirror and say I did my best, and once I do that, I will be proud, and I am sure my family and fans and everyone will be proud of me,” he added.

– L.S.