Not Malcolm Marshall, not Joel Garner, not Michael Holding, not even Curtly Ambrose, but Jerome Taylor. The young Jamaican pacer, Taylor, was able to achieve what none of these legends of West Indies cricket achieved.

Capture a hat-trick in One-Day Internationals.

His brilliant spell at the "death" stunned Australia in the opening fixture of the International Cricket Council's Champions Trophy in India, and was the catalyst as West Indies became the first team to qualify for the semi-finals. They face South Africa tomorrow.

Taylor has been among the sharpest bowlers in the tournament and the Windies have looked sharp too. Taylor has raised his hand as one of the key members of the side as they seek to successfully defend the trophy they won at The Oval in London two years ago.

MIDWEEK NATION caught up with the soft-spoken 22-year-old in his hotel room in Ahmedabad, India, to talk about his rise to the highest level of the game and his plans for the future. He said the team was focussed and had one goal in mind – retaining the title. He has attracted the nickname "Bobby" as in "Bobby Taylor". There is also "Johnny Bravo" tagged to all-rounder Dwayne Bravo, and "Castro" on Fidel Edwards.

Taylor on the thrill of the hat-trick: I am still feeling very happy about being the first West Indian to achieve this prestigious feat in One-Day Internationals. I'm happy but not on a high. We have had many great players before and none of them managed this feat, but I know I am nowhere near their class. I am aspiring to be in that league some day, so all I have to do is maintain my cool and keep working as hard as possible.

Playing for West Indies at present: I enjoy playing for the West Indies and being an integral part of playing for West Indies is understanding the reason for representing the West Indies – the history, the legacy – what this all means and what it means to the people. It's not just going out and bowling, it's about playing with heart and giving your all. Everybody knows that cricket is played above the shoulders – that is with the brain. In the West Indies team I have noticed that the guys are thinking more and taking every aspect of the game more seriously. We are keen to develop mentally and try to set high standards and maintain them.

Setting standards and maintaining them: My family plays an integral part in my life. I am the first of three – a brother and a sister – and I am kind of a role model. I am also the first person from my community (Aberdeen) to play for the West Indies and that means a lot. I come from a humble background and I am looking to lead from the front. I always wanted to play for the West Indies and it's not time to stop now,
I have to keep moving.

On his mentor Courtney Walsh: Whenever he's available I try to meet up with him to get some words of advice. He is a fantastic help and he has done a lot of work with me. I had never seen Malcolm Marshall bowl but people say I am similar to him. I have only seen clips and I have read a lot about him. He is someone I would like to emulate.

Which does he prefer, Tests or One-Day Internationals? I am young and I am really excited about all forms of cricket. The One-Dayers are more exciting for the fans and people come out for the action and thrills. These matches are fast and there is always the pressure on. The ultimate ambition of any cricketer is to play Test cricket. It is the test of character and this is the area where your skills are best showcased.

Actually, each and every time I always want to give of my best. You are as good as your last game. Whatever you do in that last game, you must try to do better and better and better.