NATIONAL fastbowler Andre Russell marked his eighth first-class match with a superb unbeaten maiden century, but the historic milestone for the 21-year-old was always on the cards.

“It (century) means a lot,” said Russell following Monday’s chanceless yet blistering 65-ball knock of 108 against Ireland at Chedwin Park.

“I have been working hard at my game over the years and I think I really deserve this. I expected it to come one day based on the hard work and dedication I have put into my cricket,” he added.

With the game heading to a predictable draw, the six-foot two-inch speedster who was promoted to number five in the batting order, ignited real life into the match with some crisp, attacking display.

He belted seven fours and 10 sixes in 90 minutes after Danza Hyatt (53) and Brenton Parchment (83) had earlier scored half-centuries.

But it was the authoritativeness of his stroke-play that had tongues wagging as he put the Irish to the sword.

And the fact that it came against an overseas unit makes his first ton even more special.

“They offer different types of bowling that we’re not used to in the Caribbean,” Russell said. “It’s a great feeling.

“When I was about 50-odd I realised that they were kind of confused, which showed even in their field setting towards me… but I’m happy that it work out in my favour,” he added.

Jamaica coach Junior Bennett lauded Russell, but noted that the very athletic player who was a goalkeeper and a sprinter as a schoolboy at Clarendon College, always had the ability to excel as a batsman.

Said Bennett: “It was a very good positive innings from him. We had some strong words with him in the way he got out in the first innings because he was really middling the ball in the first innings.

“We always believed that he can develop into a genuine all-rounder and it is pleasing to us to see him come up with triple figures.

“Once he can continue on this path, then he will develop into a good all-rounder that will serve Jamaica and the West Indies for a very long, long time to come,” Bennett stated.

In addition to his fine hundred, Russell bagged four for 41 while effecting two run-outs and was deservedly named Man-of-the-Match.

Jamaica will now engage the Irish and Canadians in a couple of 50-overs and Twenty20 matches and Russell is looking to continue from where he left off in the last match.

“When I get my chance I’m really going to do it for my country because it’s an honour… it’s going to be a big test, but I’m going to give it my best shot.

“I think I’ll be rewarded. I have been putting in a lot of work and have been bowling consistently in the areas that I want to bowl in, which is a good thing,” said.