‘I never forget where I started from’: Brendan Nash’s cricketing journey from Cairns to the Caribbean
In the picturesque landscapes of Cairns, where sunburnt fields echo with sounds of red leather on willow, a young boy named Brendan Nash embarked on a cricketing journey that would eventually lead him to represent the West Indies on the international stage.
In the picturesque landscapes of Cairns, where sunburnt fields echo with sounds of red leather on willow, a young boy named Brendan Nash embarked on a cricketing journey that would eventually lead him to represent the West Indies on the international stage. Raised in Cairns from 1982 to 1992, Nash’s cricketing roots run deep, and the influence of his early days in Far North Queensland shaped not only his batting skills but also his character.
Nash, who played for local cricket club Rovers, said he looks back fondly on his time in the Far North.
“I never forget where I started from,” Nash said.
“I started playing maybe when I was seven or eight in the junior competitions and loved the game.”
In those early years, T20 cricket was but a distant dream, and the focus was on longer versions of the game.
Nash emphasises the importance of spending time in the middle, learning the art of batting at a young age, and developing a strong foundation that would serve him well in the years to come.
As he transitioned from junior to senior cricket, Nash found himself under the mentorship of experienced players like Errol Harris at Rovers. Harris, with his first-class experience, provided Nash with a benchmark to aspire to, contributing to the budding cricketer’s growth in the sport.
Another pivotal figure in Nash’s cricketing journey was Queensland Country Cricket President Kev Maher.
Nash said Maher’s impact was crucial.
“We had a great group of players and he grabbed us at a young age and he galvanised us and gave us that little bit of understanding that if you want to be the best you can be,” Nash said.
Maher’s influence went beyond technical aspects, focusing on the players’ conduct on and off the field, instilling a sense of professionalism and dedication.
Kev Maher said Nash was the ultimate professional.
“He was a pretty mild man, quiet sort of a lad, but he was always a very good listener and very coachable,” Maher said.
“Calm and placid on the surface, but beneath it all was a very young man who was fiercely determined to achieve. if he struggled with the bat, he’d ask ‘give me the ball, I’ll get some wickets’, he was that sort of cricketer.
“He was a great soccer player as well, but his dad was good friends with cricketer Michael Holding so Brendan was always going to choose cricket.
“He loved the game and he worked endlessly on it.”
Reflecting on his cricketing idols, Nash said the legendary Allan Border inspired him with his grit and team-first mentality.
“Allan Border was someone I really admired and looked up to. He seemed like he always put the team first, really tough it out,” Nash said.
Curtly Ambrose, became a favourite of Nash’s, with posters of the West Indies legend adorning his walls during his teenage years.
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Nash’s journey took a significant turn as he qualified to represent the West Indies through his Jamaican father. Playing 21 Tests and nine ODIs, he found himself facing the formidable Australian bowling brigade of the 2000s, sharing the crease with the likes of Chris Gayle. Nash’s encounters with Australian cricketing greats, including Shane Warne, Brett Lee, and Glenn McGrath, showcased the culmination of his hard work and dedication.
Even after achieving international success, Nash remains grounded, acknowledging his roots. Currently involved as a batting consultant at Toombul, Brisbane. Nash continues to contribute to the cricketing community, imparting the invaluable lessons he learned during his journey from Cairns to the Caribbean. His story is a testament to the influence of Far North Queensland’s cricketing community and the dedication to his passion that shaped his career.
Originally published as ‘I never forget where I started from’: Brendan Nash’s cricketing journey from Cairns to the Caribbean
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