Bonner makes good on Leewards selection

Jermaine Lannaman

Sidelined West Indies and Jamaica batsman Nkrumah Bonner says he intends to make an impact in the four-day West Indies Professional League this season with his new team, the Leewards Islands Hurricanes.

Bonner was not re-signed as one of Jamaica's 15 contracted players and was drafted by the Leewards during this season's annual player draft.

"I want to make an impact and hopefully take my career to another level," said Bonner, one two mandatory overseas players picked by the Leewards.

"For the past two years, I have not been performing well in four-dayers, and this I want to change.

"I am now good shape both physically and mentally, and plan to go there and do my best, which I hope will be enough to see the team challenge for the title."

The 26-year-old, who represented West Indies in two Twenty20 Internationals four years ago, but failed to kick on, has had a chequered regional career.

In 40 first-class matches, he averages 21.19, and has made one century and seven 50s.

He boasts a better one-day record where he averages 34.17 in 34 appearances, and has scored three hundreds and five half-centuries.

"I have been performing fairly well in one-day cricket. It is just for me to transfer that energy and aggression to the four-dayers," he said.

"Once I do that, demonstrate more concentration and discipline, I know I will do well."

Meanwhile, Bonner, who was initially drafted by Trinidad and Tobago Red Force, but, was later swapped with the Leewards initial pick Narsingh Deonarine, said he holds no ill feelings to the Jamaica's selectors.

"I was not surprised at being dropped by Jamaica," he said.

"It was a job, and like any 9-5, if you do not perform your services can be terminated.

"I am lucky enough to be contracted by another team," he said.