It's a hard life as a professional cricketer. It's not as easy as everyone makes out. To survive you need a tough hide.

I'd like to try to inspire the youth, that's obviously where our future is and the kids are the ones you can mould and you can give them ideas and opportunities and I'd like to try to inspire all the young kids because I had a dream when I was young, that was to play for Australia.

Rahul is the kind of person who young cricketers can look up to; not only because of his success but also because of the way he conducts himself.

He's very competitive and knows what he wants. He has developed toughness in character and that is what is needed for Indian cricket. Ganguly has proved to be one of the best captains. He has now acquired great leadership qualities.

It's a hard life as a professional cricketer. It's not as easy as everyone makes out. To survive you need a tough hide.

To me, being Australian is about looking after your mates, taking care of the less fortunate, supporting the underdog and enhancing the spirit that makes all Australians unique.

I keep a lucky red rag in my pocket when I bat, which has been a good luck charm for a few years.