Fit as a fiddle?

I do a lot of cardio exercise. It's hugely important because it helps your concentration and gives you strength. I run for 30 minutes on a treadmill and do loads of interval sprint training. I do a lot of weights as well.

You broke your leg last year. Still bother you?

Nah, I've completely got over that now. I did it playing cricket and I wasn't good until I went to play in Australia in November.

Try any unusual therapies to help you to heal?

The doctors tried to put me in one of those oxygen tanks to get me back for the last couple of games of the season. Apparently the oxygen helps you to recover more quickly. But I'm totally claustrophobic. As soon as I went into the thing I started breathing really fast and freaking out. So that was a no-go area for me.

Raised in a cupboard under the stairs?

No. I'm not sure where it comes from.

Always take the stairs then?

No, but I am very, very scared of lifts and I can't do MRI scans unless I take sleeping pills or have an injection. In all the hotels we stay in around the world I'm just praying that the lift never stops.

You should see a shrink...

Not really. I still take the lifts, I just don't like it. You have to force yourself through those fears.

You've got rid of your famous wacky hair for the next cricket season. New wife tightening the leash?

Ha! I think I've just grown up a bit. I married last December and I started to calm it down before then.

Missing the mohawk?

I enjoyed having unusual cuts and colours. It was something that made me different. It was just fun.

Bit of a mirror-gazer, then?

Definitely. I don't see a reason not to be. It makes you aware of what kind of person you are.

Tad superficial?

It's about showing who you are through your appearance. When you are in the public eye you have to take extra time to get yourself sorted because you never know what is around the corner, or who. You definitely want to look after yourself and I don't think it's a bad thing.

Do you cleanse, tone and moisturise?

All of it.

Do you put as much effort into your pecs?

I look after my body, my looks and my brain. With cricket, you must train the brain to do things the right way.

Preparation, preparation, preparation?

It's what being a sportsperson is about. I repeat things until they are automatic and I'm severe in that repetition. If you don't work hard, you don't get results.

You sound like a hard taskmaster?

I am hard on myself, but you have to be. In cricket I'll practise a movement or a throw until I crack it. If it takes a couple of hours, great. If it takes a week, I put the time in.

Inherit your work ethic from your parents?

My dad was quite strict.

As in he gave you a hiding when you needed it?

Yes, when I deserved it. There's nothing wrong with good discipline. There is nothing wrong with being given a good hiding if you have done something bad. But I also don't believe in bearing grudges. You get punished; job done. Then you let it go.

Take it like a man?

Just don't pussy-foot around feeling hard done by. Black is black, white is white in my eyes. I'm a straight up person, clear-cut.

Are you a God-fearing man?

I had a religious upbringing. We were Church of England. I still pray occasionally but it's hard to go to church when you're travelling so much.

You were born in South Africa; will you raise a family here?

Yes.

Will you give your kids a clip round the ear?

We can't wait to have kids, and I don't think I could give my child a smack. My wife Jess is all for the naughty step.

Jessica Taylor of Liberty X, er, fame?

Yes, she was in the band.

Left your wild days behind?

No.

Born to be wild?

I'll go out with the guys from the team, yeah. I go because getting lashed up together is great for team spirit. Jess understands; she does that too when she's out with the band. If you become a boring git, there's nothing left

England are playing New Zealand at Lord's on May 15; visit www.lords.org/fixtures

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