Brendan Nash: 'Here for the long term'

Brendan Nash has fulfilled his mother's dream that he would one day represent her native Jamaica, and now has his sights set on playing for the West Indies. Australian by birth, Jamaican by heritage and by choice, the 29 year old batsman made his mark on his first West Indian domestic competition as a keystone of the Jamaican bowling lineup with his left arm medium pace.

Born in Australia to Jamaican parents (his father is a Jamaican Olympian), Nash points to his mother as a driving force in his decision to leave and pursue a career with the West Indies. "My mum, especially, was always passionate about me representing Jamaica -- our family tradition of sports is very important to her". He also points to his godfather, Kingston Cricket Club's Tony Burrowes, who would always encourage him to come and play his cricket in Jamaica. "There was a time four years ago, when I looked at doing it, but it just wasn't the right time. Four years on, I've matured a bit".

Despite this, and his reputation as a sharp fielder, Nash insists he is a batman first and foremost. "I see myself as a batsman who bowls a bit, a partnership breaker," he says. On the differences between limited overs and the longer form of the game, he says "I just love being a part of the game. Each format challenges you differently, mentally, physically." He does note, however, "I really love going out there and batting for a full day".

Just shy of thirty, he is is older than most players seeking their first West Indies cap, but he doesn't see this as a liability. "Many of the senior players in Queensland told me that they felt they hit their prime in their late twenties to mid thirties," Nash explains. "In Australia there is an emphasis on physical fitness; fitness is very important to me and I've always kept myself fit." Jokingly, he adds, "I feel like a young thirty."

After his first stint with Queensland, Nash spent some time in the Lancashire leagues in 1999 and again in 2004. It was an experience he feels really turned him into a professional and developed his allround abilities. "As a pro, when you go over there you've always got to do something special, if not with the bat, then with the ball, and if not with the ball, then in the field". A look at his record there shows that he took this expectation seriously.

Asked what he feels he has to offer to West Indies cricket, Nash points to his experience and maturity. Musing about the age difference between the West Indies team and the Australian team he says, "I think there is a feeling in Australia that maybe certain guys [in the West Indies] are picked too soon. I mean, look at Mike Hussey who has years of first class experience and something like 15,000 first class runs before he was picked... ...it certainly makes the transition much smoother".

Hesitant to be drawn into comparisons between his Australian experience and what he has found in the Caribbean, he will only say, "I've only played five games, so it's hard for me to really say. There's not a huge difference, I think. Maybe there's a bit more professionalism in the Australian state teams, but the level of talent here is the equal of, or maybe even slightly above that in Australia". Structure, he concludes after a pause, is really the biggest difference between the two systems. At the same time, he expresses an admiration for the "natural flair" of West Indian players - "it's a bit more relaxed over here, which might be a good thing, you can go out and play your game".

Nash admits that integrating into the Jamaican side was a bit difficult at first. "When I first arrived I didn't know anyone, I got the invitation to the trials and I just showed up". He notes that while the senior Jamaican players were very open and encouraging, he sensed some of the younger players were somewhat wary of him, something he feels is totally natural. "I mean, yeah I'm a threat, at that level we're all a threat to each other, it's healthy competition. There were some whispers around, and I knew I had to prove myself, moreso than the other guys. But I got the most runs in the trials, and I gained a little respect, I think."

Not one to stand apart, Nash was proactive about fitting in. "I made a point to never separate myself from the group, and tried to make myself approachable." This seems to have paid off, as he can now often be found training with some of his new friends. "It came about as those younger players got to know me a little better and they started asking me questions and I got to bat with them in a few of the trial matches. From there I offered to work with them in the nets outside of scheduled training times."

While he waits and hopes to hear of his selection to Jamaica's 20/20 squad, Nash has a bit more free time to look for work, and continue his adaptation to his new life in Jamaica. "I met Sean Paul," he enthuses at one point. Still, he notes that it can sometimes be frustrating, such as when he had to wait for hours at the bank to open his account.But Nash is unequivocal about his commitment to his choice. "I've cut my ties to Australia, I'm here for the long term. I am a Jamaican through and through, from citizenship to my passport". He has his eyes set firmly on his goal, which is "to help Jamaica win as often as possible. With that to play to my ability through working hard and hopefully making it to the top with the West Indies."