When I don't play international cricket, I sharpen my skills at the NCA.
Each bowler has his own pride when bowling in the nets but it's vital that you get ball on bat and then you are ready to use the opportunity when you are out in the middle.
I was a coach for a celebrity cricket league. Whenever I trained or practised with them, I missed cricket.
It took a lot of sacrifice from my dad. He managed to put cricket nets in our garden because he knew we had to practise every day. That would also keep us away from the streets.
For me, I need to bowl lots of overs in order to start getting back into form - much like a batsman needs to hit a lot of balls.
I sometimes get someone to bowl at me from closer than the usual 22 yards so when I then go and play on a normal-sized pitch, everything feels easier.
There are times I do single wicket bowling, and there are times I try, practise, hitting a specific length.
If you bowl good yorkers in nets and come up with good variation, it helps your on-field performance.
I cannot think that I am a good cricketer and just become one. For this, one needs skill.
I have a small and decent indoor cricket facility at home itself.
When facing bowlers or throw downs, it is not possible to feed the ball in one place at all times; therefore, tennis ball practice comes in handy.
I followed in my brother's footsteps. I used to wake up at 5 a.m, and wait for him to complete his cricket practice just so I could play the 10-15 balls pitched to me at the end.
I wanted to bat for the England cricket team. I was quite good at cricket. But then I kept getting out for low scores. It turned out I didn't have the talent.
