Whatever was written in the media was beyond me. The only thing I could control was getting fit.

It's far more daunting than bowling to Ricky Ponting or facing Shane Warne

If I'm playing well I'll get through a bat in three weeks. I batter them.

Captaincy is something you get better at through experience. You've got to trust your instincts.

I'm not too good with packing. I always have every intention of doing it the week before and then leave it until the last moment - but at least I do it myself, I don't leave it to the missus.

Sure, you can do without the hard personal comments, but it doesn't really happen apart from a few isolated incidents.

While I'm at second slip I'm not just thinking of what I'm going to have for tea. I'm considering the match as well, wondering how I can help, if there is anything I can offer.