BRENDAN NASH confirmed one thing to himself yesterday: he can do the business in Test cricket.The steady left-handed middle-order batsman, playing in his 14th Test for West Indies, produced his second century and highest score to date 114 – to help his side reach relative safety at the end of the third day of this second Digicel Test match against South Africa.And according to Nash, that innings settled a matter in his mind. “The first one can be sometimes seen as a bit of luck but I guess the second time, you prove to yourself that you can actually do it, so it’s a nice feeling. Especially after the first Test the way it went, it was great to contribute the way I did,” he said after play.West Indies closed the day on 424 in their first innings going after South Africa’s 543 for six declared. Ace batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul was undefeated on 151. And Nash was not only grateful for his own runs but also for Chanderpaul’s company.“It obviously looked a very good wicket. There’d been some runs scored in the previous days and Shiv at the other end is always a good sight to see, a rock and someone who is a very calming influence.”Yesterday’s effort from the normally sedate Nash was characterised by positive play, especially against the South Africa fast bowlers. was a challenge he was prepared for after his struggles in the first Test against them.“I just knew I had to get a start and stick to my game and try and not let them unsettle me,” he said.Nash made his runs at No. 5, and not at the unusual position of No. 3 where he batted at the Queen’s Park Oval.He switched places with fellow left-hander Narsingh Deonarine this time and Deonarine made 65. Nash appreciated his teammate’s effort.“The team required me to bat at No. 3 in the first Test and I would have done it again obviously if asked to. But the team management decided to move me to five again and Narsingh (Deonarine) did a great job batting at three, really stood up and set the foundation for us to come in the middle order.”And while disappointed to be run out inside the last hour of the day, Nash was comforted by the fact that his parents who had come out from Australia for the series, had been present to witness his success.“My mother and father have made a long journey to come and watch me play, so it’s always special when they come and do that. My mother (and father) are very proud of my achievements and the West Indies, so it’s great to have them here and when we’re doing well especially.”
