Bonner looking for a happy homecoming

Jamaican middle-order batsman Nkrumah Bonner says he will be relishing the opportunity of playing his first Test match on home soil when the West Indies get ready to take on Pakistan in the first of two Test matches at Sabina Park starting tomorrow.

Bonner, who missed the majority of the Test series against South Africa due to a concussion suffered in the first Test, is likely to retain his place in the line-up when the home side square off with Pakistan in the opening Test at Sabina Park.

The right-hander has been one of the finds for the regional side in recent months, having scored 385 runs in just five Test matches at a healthy average of 55.

With a Test best of 113 not out against Sri Lanka in March of this year, the St Catherine native will be hoping to fulfil one of his lifelong dreams of playing a Test match on home soil.

Pretty emotional

"I am pretty emotional about it. It is something that I have dreamt of playing in front of my home crowd and it's finally coming true, so I am excited about it. When I step out on Thursday or Friday whenever I get to bat, I think all of that will go and I will shift the focus to representing the West Indies and the people," said Bonner.

Unfortunately, fans won't be able to see Bonner parade his skills live, as no spectators will be allowed at the match according to a press release from the Jamaica Cricket Association.

In the meantime, Bonner and the rest of the West Indies are preparing for a ding-dong battle against a resolute Pakistan side, that are buoyed for continued success having come off back-to-back Test series wins.

The Jamaican was quick to highlight that the batting unit has been found wanting in recent series, however, he is hoping that they can come good and complement the consistent bowling unit which has led the way for the regional side in recent times.

"In the Caribbean, the bowlers have been doing the job for us. The batting unit will have to step up in this series for sure. We know the attack we are going up against is pretty good. The batting will have to win this series for us," added Bonner.