But there is always the urge for a team to pack the side with youngsters.

• As you get older in cricket, your performance gets scrutinised more because there are a lot of youngsters pushing for your place. One has to keep performing and the margin of error gets reduced with time. But every team needs experience, there’s no alternative for it, and many teams have realised that.

You and Sachin Tendulkar are considered the world’s most dangerous openers of this era. How is it batting together?

• We speak to each other a lot, discuss how the delivery could’ve been played and how the bowler is doing. It may seem to the outside world that we’re trying to outdo each other by playing big shots, but our competition is against the other side. We just play our natural games. It’s been a great experience so far. We have a good understanding in the middle.

Has the Sri Lankan team put the terror attack behind them firmly?

• It was really shocking for all of us and we’re still trying to come to terms with it. I had spoken to my team mates when it happened, and I am happy that everyone is looking to move on. I am a firm believer in Buddhism and I suggested they meditate to calm their mind and be at peace with themselves.

Do you miss the Mumbai crowd and playing in India?

• Of course. It’s a different atmosphere playing in India, with the crowd supporting you. There’s huge interest for IPL in South Africa but they will cheer for particular players, maybe all South Africans in different teams. Mumbai was really wonderful, they backed the entire team there.