Port-of-Spain, Trinidad:

Brendan Nash's maiden Test century on day four of the fifth Digicel Test against England was the culmination of a long road of travel and tough grind for the Australia-born, West Indies left-handed batsman.

"It's been many years of hard work," the 31-year-old Nash said after play. "To finally get the opportunity to be there on 98 and 99 was very nervous, but I finally got there in the end, so I was pretty happy with that obviously."

Nash was brought up in Australia and spent the early part of his first-class career with Queensland (from 2000-2006) before he made the difficult decision to head to Jamaica, the island of his parents, Paul and Andrea, to further his cricket opportunities in the summer of 2007.

West Indies debut

He swiftly moved through the ranks and made his West Indies debut last August and now has shown he belongs at the highest level.

Nash, whose wife Hannah was in Trinidad and Tobago to witness his landmark moment, said it was all about making the most of his ability.

"I'm not the most gifted player and naturally talented or stroke-playing, free-flowing player but I work with what I have and hopefully it pays off on the day.

"When I get the opportunity to bat, I like to stay out there as long as I can, even if I'm not scoring runs. If I'm doing a job for the team, then that's what it's about. That's something I've built my game around."

Nash's century came as he shared a record fifth-wicket partnership with veteran Shivnarine Chanderpaul, who notched his 21st Test hundred.

Partnership

"Obviously, Shiv and I had to work together and sort of build a partnership," Nash said. "It's very easy to do with him. He likes to bat time and that's something I've learnt from him and hopefully continue to do so in the future.

"He makes the game look simple and that gives you a bit of confidence at the other end. He's doesn't look like he's going to get out, so you can just play your game and go from there."