He has not just been one of the best in his game, but is also one of the most charming men that the cricketing world has seen. Guarded with an inherent poise behind his killer smirk, the former Australian cricketer interacted with the winners of the HT City’s Stars in the City contest on Thursday.
From witty answers to honest confessions, the free-wheeling chat that he had with HT City Editor, Sonal Kalra, was thouroughly engaging. Here are some excerpts:
1You’re known best for your bowling. If you were to be known as a batsmen, who would you want to be like?
If you want to be a batsman, you would want to be a Sachin Tendulkar, wouldn’t you? He started playing when he was just 16... a kid! He’s the finest cricketer ever, you won’t get someone like him anywhere in the world.
2Is your son, Preston, into cricket too?
Oh yes, Preston is seven, and he is a beautiful li’l boy. He looks exactly like me, when I was his age. He loves playing cricket, and he wants to play every single day. And ya, he’s been to India four times, and he saw the Taj Mahal even before I did.
2Is your son, Preston, into cricket too?
Oh yes, Preston is seven, and he is a beautiful li’l boy. He looks exactly like me, when I was his age. He loves playing cricket, and he wants to play every single day. And ya, he’s been to India four times, and he saw the Taj Mahal even before I did.
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3You had a cameo role in the film Victory (2009). Who’s your favourite Bollywood actor?
Err... ladki or ladka (girl or boy)? (laughs). Well, among the girls, it’s Preity Zinta. She’s a great actor. As for the men, it’s Shah Rukh Khan. My friends were all excited when I played in his team (in the IPL), and they were like, ‘Oh, you were with Shah Rukh Khan, wow!’
4How did you deal with all the link-up rumours about you and Preity, during the IPL tours?
Well, do not believe what you read or hear. She is a loving person and has been on the top of her trade for many, many years. She’s a fantastic actor and a great friend.
5What’s the meaning of your pet name, Binga?
Oh, it’s a chain of electrical stores back in New South Wales, called Bing Lee... so from Bing Lee it went on to become Binga for me.