Though I am a bit disappointed at not being there, I am sure that our bowlers will do well. There are two rookies in Munaf and Sreesanth but I can say that they have it in them to succeed there. The key is to bowl line and length. I understand that Munaf has pace but he deliberately bowls slower to focus on accuracy. I guess that’s the perfect thing to do.

Munaf, in particular, can get a lot of help because of his height. He can make the ball rise to the batsman’s chest by hitting the deck since he releases the ball from a greater height. I also read that even Sreesanth is now diverting his attention to get the line right. Both have been around in the team for quite some time and that should ensure calm nerves. And then there’s Irfan, Zaheer and Agarkar around to guide them. The seniors have a point to prove themselves but they have ample experience that they will be more than willing to share.

My memories of South Africa are many but 26th February 2003 is still etched in my mind. I can trace every small detail — how I passed the fitness test two hours before the match and how I was conscious bowling my first delivery with a tight strapping on my ankle. I know people remember the match for my 6/23 spell that demolished England, but the match holds special significance for me for other reasons — I contributed when India needed it most.

... contd.