It was a do-or-die match for us, we could have been knocked out of the World Cup but thankfully, I could help India win the match. From that match, we gathered momentum and it was a cornerstone for my bowling too. I developed a sense of confidence that told me I am a match-winner; Durban is special and when India play the second ODI, I will miss the atmosphere, hopefully I will be back when India return to play the second Test there.

Durban is one of the two grounds — the other is Johannesburg — where there’s plenty of bounce and movement, and unless the hosts deliberately want to leave grass and make it hard, I don’t expect the batsmen to hop the entire day. Going by their standards, the bounce has deteriorated, still, for any fast bowler going from India it’s a mouth watering proposition. In these circumstances bowlers can get carried away easily and that’s where we lose our focus on overseas tours and struggle.

Personally, from my side I am feeling good now and confident about my fitness. I am bowling 30 overs in a day in domestic matches and have got some success too. I am sure that the selectors will take note and when the Test team will be picked, I hope to be back at the Kingsmead ground, run in hard and win a few more matches. - G.S. Vivek

Das to Jaffer: Carpet drives work in ODIs too

By 2001 SS Das was seen as a regular Test opener and during the tour of South Africa he was tried in the one-dayers too. But with an average of 4 from 3 ODIs, the transition wasn’t smooth. Today Wasim Jaffer finds himself in a similar role. Das’ simple advice to the Mumbai opener is “focus on your strengths” and “carpet drives work in ODIs too”

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