Bonner happy to pad up for big run chase in uncomfortable conditions
ON a scorching day, faced with a small ground, batting is what you want to be doing, according to St Leonards captain Taylor Bonner.
Confidence is a necessity with the task in front of Bonner and his men — 291 runs needed and a spot in the BPCA A2 top four will be the reward.
After a long time out of Agrade cricket and a long struggle, he is content to be matching it with the competition’s best and the win/loss tally reflects that.
“If someone said to me at the start of the season that we’d be 3-3 in our first season of A-grade in 13 or 14 years then I’d take that every day of the week,” Bonner said. “The big difference compared to lower grades has just been consistency.”
“You’ve got blokes who can fire five or six balls an over outside off in a good spot.”
From a statistical viewpoint, Bonner is St Leonards’ most pivotal player.
The allrounder has bowled the most overs, has batted at three and four, and due to team make-up, is a chance to open this week.
With nine wickets at an average of 27.22 and 156 runs at 26 with the bat, Bonner’s output has been solid without being outstanding.
“I feel I’ve gotten myself out a couple of times. That 50 — that was a good ball and I was probably a bit tired,” he said.
“I’ve been hitting the ball well but just need to stay in the right headspace for the whole time I’m out there.
“I like to bat at four because regardless if we’ve lost 2-0 or if we’re 150-2 I can come out and play whatever role is needed”
St Leonards will be without key batsman Robert Cutajar in today’s run chase against Little River and lack the firepower to score runs quickly, so Bonner expects a patient and active intent from his top order.
“If we bat the 75 overs there is no doubt in my mind that we will be able to chase that down, but that comes down to actually being able to bat the overs.
“We don’t have a lot blokes who can go out and hit the fence. They’re going to try and build an innings.”