Brilliant Bonner hits unbeaten 166

Jamaica and West Indies middle-order batsman Nkrumah Bonner warmed up for the tour of Sri Lanka next month with a fine unbeaten century on the second day of the 'Best vs Best' three-day practice match at the Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua.

The right-hander, who was unbeaten on 90 overnight, went on to score 166 not out in an eight-and-a-half-hour vigil at the crease, to help Jermaine Blackwood's XI post 384 for six declared following day two action.

When stumps were drawn, Kraigg Brathwaite's XI was 73 for two in reply, still trailing by 311 runs.The first two days of the contest obviously belonged to Bonner, who faced 366 balls and hit 17 fours and two sixes.

The right-hander shared in a 134-run fifth-wicket stand with Raymon Reifer who made 72. Off-spinner Rahkeem Cornwall picked up two wickets for 79 runs.

Bonner was pleased with the form he is showing heading into the Sri Lanka series.

"The score was irrelevant for me to be honest as time at the wicket was very important and that was one of my main goals. I tried to play each ball on its merit similar to what I would do in a Test game and simulate a Test innings as much as possible," said Bonner.

Bonner outlined that the conditions in Antigua are similar to that which they will encounter in Sri Lanka. He has not played competitive cricket since the South Africa series in July of this year and the knock was ideal preparation.

"Over the last few weeks it has been all nets and you want to put your skill into practice, so to play in this game was brilliant for me. It was difficult at the start of the innings, but as I batted more, it got easier."

Bonner and the rest of the West Indies test squad are using the warm-up matches as preparations ahead of West Indies' forthcoming tour to Sri Lanka for two Test matches following the ICC T20 World Cup. The team will depart from Antigua on November 6 and the tour will run until December 4.