West Indies batsman Nkrumah Bonner has patiently batted throughout Day 5 to notch up his maiden Test century to guide his team to a well-deserved draw against Sri Lanka in the first Test of the ongoing two-match Test series at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium on Friday (March 26).
Chasing 375 for victory, West Indies started the 5th and final day on at 34/1 and Bonner batted for over 7 hours to make 113* off 274 deliveries laced with 13 fours and a six against Sri Lanka, as his composed innings earned him Man-of-the-Match honor, as well as, the hosts a draw in the first Test on Friday.
Following the game, an emotional Nkrumah said smashing Test hundred was his “childhood dream” and after realizing the dream, he almost broke down in tears, saying it’s really special and he can’t explain his feelings of reaching the landmark in words.
Bonner said after the game, “It [a maiden hundred] is very emotional for me. Obviously, a Test hundred doesn’t walk around in the shop and it’s truly special for me. As I said before, it’s my childhood dream and there were all the emotions. When I was out there, I felt like crying.”
The Jamaican further added, “I don’t think those emotions can be explained. It’s something that you have to experience. It’s really special, that’s all I can say. And obviously seeing my teammates clapping and everyone cheering is a truly special moment. I know my family and friends back home will be proud of me and I’m sure they have the same emotions as me.
Meanwhile, the rain was just around and ground-staff were preparing to bring the covers on when the right-hander was batting on 99 on Day 5 but he didn’t want to stay not out on 99, at that time Jason Holder came to him and suggested to just stay calm and keep doing the same and it helped him to regain his composure and score the elusive run against Sri Lanka.
Bonner recalled, “When I was at 99, the rain was coming. Obviously, I didn’t want to stay not out on 99 but Jason came down to me and said ‘just stay calm and keep doing what you’re doing. Stick to your plans and it'll happen. Obviously, I went back to that and it worked out.”
The youngster also revealed that West Indies decided to play for a draw post-lunch after they were 91/2 against Sri Lanka for the sake of their families and people supporting Test cricket.
He signed off by saying, “We knew they have an experienced bowling attack and the ball also went a little bit soft. In the beginning, we had a small opening but at lunchtime, we decided to not got for the target. The team had a gameplan that we had discussed before coming in. The coach and the management wanted us to bat for ourselves, for our families and people supporting Test cricket.”
(India Today inputs)
