West Indies coach Phil Simmons has hailed the impact of Jamaica batsman Nkrumah Bonner in a historic match-winning effort against Bangladesh in the first Test.

Double centurion Kyle Mayers rightfully got all the plaudits after not only scoring a massive 210 but also remaining to take the team over the line at the end.  Bonner, who narrowly missed out on a century, after being dismissed for 86, was critical to the innings.  

Together the debutants put on a 216-run, fourth-wicket partnership.  Not only did the effort anchor the West Indies’ extraordinary win but was also the second-highest partnership by Test debutants, behind Pakistan’s Abdul Kadir and Khalid Ibadulla, who paired together for 249 back in 1964.

Simmons admitted he was a little disappointed to not see the player claim a well-deserved 100 but heaped praise on the Jamaican, nonetheless.

“I think his innings was a special innings too.  I am disappointed that he did not get a 100 because of the way he batted, I think he deserved a 100, but I’m sure that will come if he continues to play the way he played,”

Simmons told members of the media from Bangladesh.

“The partnership is what matters, Kyle might have score 200 but Bonner’s partnership with him is what set up things.  The fact that we didn’t lose a wicket in the morning, or did not lose a wicket in the second session gave that push to ensure we had the ability, to ensure that we were the only team capable of winning the match.”