I’ve always enjoyed playing at the Wanderers. Alongside Newlands, it is one of my favourite cricket grounds in the world.
There is just that special atmosphere it generates when packed to capacity, and the Bullring was certainly roaring that Sunday. I can still hear that buzz because it was the loudest it’s ever been and it’s a sound I’ll never forget.
There’s no doubt that it was my most enjoyable innings of my career for it was awesome to have centre stage for a few hours in “The Greatest ODI” ever played.
During the change of innings we were shell-shocked after the Aussies had posted a score in excess of 400. It had never been done before.
I had looked coach Mickey Arthur in the eye and smiled as if to say ‘Well, Mick, if that’s the going rate, someone has to give it a go. Might as well be me.’
I have always played the game not for personal statistical honours, but rather to provide the fans with entertainment. I think I did them justice that Sunday. To this day, I cannot explain it, but I saw the ball as it was a football.
To be part of that game was special in itself, but to chase down a record total was an unbelievable effort from the entire team.