‘At Eden Gardens, get beyond the moment’

‘‘You know, I’ve played 49 Tests’’, he told The Indian Express. ‘‘And it would have been great if I could have played the 50th at Eden Gardens — one of the best places in the world to play cricket — but it’s not to be.’’

Looking back, Klusener says he was amazed by the crowd’s passion. ‘‘I don’t think it happens anywhere else where if an opposing team scores, they fall silent. And if the Indians score even a single, they erupt. That just shows how keen the crowd is.’’

What words of advice will he have for his countrymen? ‘‘Remember, it’s a flat wicket, a very good wicket,’’ he says at first. ‘‘But the biggest thing for the younger players would be to get beyond the moment.’’

He goes on to explain: ‘‘I know from my own experience that the crowd can be very intimidating. Most of the guys wouldn’t have played in front of such huge crowds. But if you can put that behind you, you’ll play a hell of a lot better.’’

One more point: Everyone has to do their own thing, like ‘‘taking their catches’’, and everything will fall into place.

All that, he says, is exactly what happened at Kanpur. ‘‘I didn’t watch much of the Test, but it was obviously a good result for us,’’ Klusener said. ‘‘In the subcontinent, if you win the toss, 9 times out of 10 you bat first and score big. South Africa did just that. Their game plan worked 100 per cent right.’’

It’s a plan they should retain for the second Test. ‘‘With three spinners in the Indian team, there is no way other than to bat first,’’ he says.

Given that he’s so well-versed, it’s almost a shame Zulu isn’t with the team. He’s hopeful, though, that he will come back soon. ‘‘Perhaps when we play the one-day series next year. I’d love to come back at least once before I hang up my boots.’’

And when is that likely to happen? ‘‘Can’t say for sure. Maybe a year or two years or even longer. I will play as long as possible, as long as the body can take it. God has given you talent to play cricket and you need to play it to the fullest.’’