Watching my dad, Ewie, playing cricket at the Ramblers in Bloemfontein for Free State. He was a terrific sportsman who also played tennis and rugby for Free State.

Sports played:

At school, my brother Frans and I tried our hand at most sports: tennis, rugby, cricket and distance running, 10km, 21km and marathons. I enjoyed a round of golf, or squash, but that was more social. I played Free State schools and under-20 rugby with the likes of Pieter Muller, Brendan Venter and Ruben Kruger. I played at No 8 but I wasn't going to go a long way in the sport. Also, the fact that I was doing quite well at cricket made me realise that it would provide a bigger and brighter future.

Sports watched:

Any sport where top players are competing. If it is basketball, I wouldn't mind watching the Chicago Bulls, or if it's golf, Ernie Els, Tiger Woods or Colin Montgomerie. I watch most sports.

Why did you decide on a life in sport?

That's a difficult one because I never really decided on it. It happened automatically. I went to university to do a Bachelors degree in commerce from 1988-1991. During that time I played provincial cricket for Free State. It was a part-time job but it paid enough to get me through university without having to work. South Africa were re-admitted into international cricket at the end of 1991 and I was fortunate enough to join them early in 1992. So I never really had a day of work in my life.

Most bizarre sporting experience:

A lot of funny things have happened. The most recent was listening to 80,000 people at the Melbourne Cricket Ground shouting ``Symcox is a ******!'' Pretty impressive stuff. Another one was when David Callaghan was fielding wearing Brian McMillan's trousers. He dived for a ball, picked it up, and the trousers were around his ankles. He couldn't decide what to do first - throw the ball back or pull up his trousers. The batsmen ended up running three when they should have got one.

Sporting mentors:

A number of people have played a big part. My dad, Johan Volsteedt, who was my coach at school, Franklyn Stephenson, the professional at Free State when I was captain, Eddie Barlow, Allan Donald and the assistant coach on tour, Corrie Van Zyl.

Most memorable cricketing experience:

Playing in your first Test match is always very special. In my case it was against the West Indies in 1992 in Barbados. It was also my worst day of cricket, because we ended up getting bowled out for 148 chasing 200 on the last day. At one point we needed 78 with eight wickets standing.

Otherwise the most memorable are the two wins at Lord's in 1994 and 1998 and beating Australia in Sydney [South Africa won by five runs to clinch the series with Kepler Wessels injured and Cronje as temporary captain].

Question asked most often by the public:

Kids often ask: ``Who is the fastest bowler you have faced?''

... and the answer:

Wasim Akram has bowled the quickest at me.

Biggest sporting regret:

I don't really have any regrets. If I could have it all over again, I would do it exactly the same.

Favourite sporting location:

There are so many good grounds. Wanderers in South Africa; the Gabba in Brisbane.

Biggest change you would like to see in the running of cricket:

I don't think there is too much to be changed. The administrators are doing a good job. But I'd like to see the introduction of a Test World Cup.

Sporting event you would pay the most to watch:

My top three: Borg versus McEnroe at a Wimbledon final; South Africa against the All Blacks in the World Cup final of 1995, because I didn't see it. And a day at the Masters, watching Ernie Els beat Tiger Woods in a play-off.

... and to miss:

I appreciate all different skills. But if I had to choose one, then it would be sailing.

How well is cricket covered in the media?

As well as it can be without America involved. If America did play international cricket, we would see how big the game could be.

Whose talent do you most envy?

Daryll Cullinan is a tremendously talented sportsman. Outside cricket, Pete Sampras can step up a gear when it really matters.

With whom would you least like to room on tour?

Jonty Rhodes. You never get any sleep because he's always coming in at 6am.