from SA Cricket Action September 2001 (thanks Cindy)
What were your feelings at your sudden promotion to captaincy of the national
side?
At the time I felt a mixture of sadness for Hansie and pride at being handed the honour. I hadn't anticipated the 'handover' would happen quite so soon, if at all, so I felt uncertain about what lay ahead. I knew I wasn't fully prepared for the role, but there was so much going on, that it became more a time for doing than for thinking too deeply about what you can't control.
Your record as captain is already successful. Which of your attributes do you
feel have contributed to that success?
I believe a captain is only as good as his team allow him to be. I think in the SA side we have some very talented cricketers who contribute to the success of the team. With this asset in mind, I've focused on channeling that talent in the right direction and try to get the best out of each individual.
How have you coped with the extra load?
As with all things, I'm learning to cope better with experience. For me the
key is to try and concentrate on the job at hand and avoid worrying about it all
at once. When I'm batting, all my energy and focus is on just that.
What are the strengths of new coach Graham Ford?
To his credit, Fordie has outstanding man-management skills and a great grasp of the game. He listens to everyone's point of view and operates with a 'hands-on' work ethic, which works well with the team of guys we have at the moment. He and Corrie compliment one another really well and never shy away from hard work or obstacles.
Much of the world press is calling Australia the best team in the world. Do
you agree? How do we stack up against Aussie at the moment?
Well, if you look at the stats and see the way they're playing, you'd have to
agree that Australia are on top of their game at the moment. But we believe that
we have the team talented and motivated enough to beat them. What's great is
that on the day, stats and ratings don't stand for much and it's all about doing
the business on the field.
Who are the key players in the Australian team that we must master to win the series at the end of the year?
The thing with Australia is that they have a very well balanced side with loads of experience. Each player needs attention, so highlighting a few would be an oversight on our behalf.
You have long been regarded as one of the world's best bowlers. Who are the
bowlers you rate highly?
I have enormous respect for Allan and I realize how fortunate I've been to
partner a bowler of his caliber. Courtney Walsh's achievement of over 500
wickets is an awe-inspiring feat. In fact, there are many that I could name from
years gone by, but of the current players, Glenn McGrath stands out.
You scored centuries against Sri Lanka and the West Indies. Is this a sign of things to come - a swashbuckling batter flailing the attack to all corners of the park?
I certainly hope so! I like to play my shots and that approach seemed to work for me towards the end of last season. I know that won't always be the case, but for now I am happy.
In every World Cup in which we have played so far, fans have thought SA would
win. Yet each time we've come unstuck. Why do you think we have not been able to
press home and win?
I'm not sure. We've been very competitive in all three attempts but as you say, we haven't been able to finish it off. One-day cricket is a bit of a lottery at the best of times and things haven't gone our way. The semi-final against Aussie is a prime example. The World Cup in SA will hopefully be different, as it's the perfect opportunity for things to go our way. We'll have to take a leaf out of Gary Player's book and practice a bit harder, so we can get a bit luckier!
Which cricketer do you hold in the highest regard and why?
If I had to choose just one, it would be Malcolm Marshall - for what he
achieved, the way he played the game, the person he was, and for what he taught
and did for me.
What has been the most significant moment or incident in your cricket career?
The victorious Hong Kong SIxes tournament in 1995 was my stepping stone to playing for SA. I had a good tournament, which caught the attention of the selectors and gave me the confidence to believe that I could play at a higher level.
What was your worst moment in cricket?
The World Cup semi-final. It was such a contrast of emotion in the space of one minute.
What are your hobbies and interests outside of cricket?
I enjoy watching most sports, listening to music and reading a bit. Oh, and watching the Discovery Channel.
What do you feel is your best character trait?
Must be modesty, because I can't think of any!
And your worst trait?
Getting frustrated and restless at times.
What makes you really mad?
Like most people, blatant injustice gets me going a bit.
What jobs have you had besides cricket?
Being a student was a very tough job! Straight after I finished my degree, I coached for a few months at the Natal Academy and then was lucky enough to start playing for SA.
Where do you go to 'find' yourself or to think?
In my quiet time, or walking on the beach.
What is your favorite famous quote?
"If you believe it, then it can happen. Remember this all started with a
mouse." - Walt Disney
What's the best advice you've ever received?
Believe in your own ability because if you don't, who will?
Who is your favorite poet?
I regard music as modern day poetry and enjoy the lyrics of a wide variety of artists.
What is the most important thing you have gained from playing cricket?
Patience. Touring is a constant 'hurry up and wait' episode, from waiting to bat, to waiting to reach your travel destination on a plane or bus. I don't begrudge it though, because I'm doing what I love.
Who are your closest friends in cricket and do you socialize with them
outside the game?
I get on well with all the guys, but my closest friends are the guys with whom I play provincial and international cricket. I was Lance's room-mate for five years, so we get on well.
Define success.
For me, success can be best described as happiness. That often comes with the contentment that you've tried your best to achieve your goals without losing the balance in your life.
What is your worst nightmare?
Not being able to pad-up quickly enough, and having to have injections.
What is the worst thing you have forgiven?
Fordie for batting me at NO. 11 in my first two seasons for Natal. Bowlers are very sensitive about their batting ability.
What is the worst thing you have been forgiven for?
Dropping Allan Donald's 100th Test wicket, even after he had told me that it would be coming before he bowled the ball.
What human values do you hold in highest regard?
Honesty and humility.
What is the naughtiest thing you were punished for at school?
Throwing a rugby ball bladder (pumped up) around the class-room and nearly pinning the H.O.D. when he walked in.
What are your ambitions, in and out of cricket?
I have personal cricket goals which I prefer to keep to myself and obviously as captain, I want to make a valuable impact on the team and hopefully move us towards being the world's best. Outside cricket, I want to keep on enjoying life and appreciating the things that are real.
What is the funniest sledging remark you have heard on the cricket pitch?
Pat Symcox giving Ranatunga a hard time about having a bat sponsorship from a
chicken and chips shop.