'Can't cook'

We read all these stories about ciggies for lunch at Headingley...
Ah well, I did an interview straight after the game, and for some unbelievable reason, he asked me what I had for lunch. So I told him I didn't eat too much. Just had a couple of cigarettes and jumped in the shower.

That's not standard lunch though, is it?
Nah. Just one of those days when I was batting really well and the nerves were a bit on edge. Didn't feel like eating anything.

Did McGrath and the other Aussies have nice things to say to you during that innings of 173?
Yeah, I think all of them congratulated me after I got to the hundred. And they all said, "Well played," and shook my hand at the end of it. They're a great side and if you impress them, you must have batted all right.

What is your first vivid cricket memory?
I was about three or four, playing in the garden with my brother and my dad. I remember swinging at a ball and the bat handle just detached itself and flew through the window (laughs).

Biggest inspiration in your career...
My dad. I spent a lot of time at The Oval when he was playing for Surrey. And in the last year and a half, since he became coach at Surrey, the upturn in my fortunes in Test cricket goes down to him.

Could you pick out the turning point of your career?
It was probably my first or second first-class game and I was playing for Surrey as a first-change bowler. I came in to bat when we were 124 for 5 and I finished with 41 not out. I played Curtly Ambrose very, very well. I remember going back to the hotel that night thinking I'd passed a bit of a test.

What's the most memorable stroke you've ever played?
There was one particular over at Headingley I'll never forget. We were getting very close to the target. Jason Gillespie was putting in one last big effort to try and knock me over. The first ball was just back of a length and I punched it through mid-on for four. Cut the next one for four and the one after that went for six over point. Those three shots will always stand out.

Have you consciously modelled yourself on any batsmen?
I don't think so. Would have loved to have played like David Gower but that's not the case. He's somebody I remember watching a great deal of when I was a youngster.

What if you hadn't been a cricketer?
Definitely a musician. Love playing the guitar and have played it since I was 12. Always sang in the school choirs, bands ...

Any favourite musicians?
I've always loved guitar players. Got into the whole thing initially because of Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix.

Who is the most gorgeous woman you've seen?
[chuckles] There was a movie called Tequila Sunrise that had Michelle Pfeiffer in it. I remember thinking to myself that she was the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen.

What would Mark Butcher's idea of a relaxing evening be?
Would probably go out and have a very nice meal - Italian or something. Maybe a fish restaurant. Couple of glasses of wine and go and listen to a love band or something. Actually, I love my own music, so that would be pretty perfect!

Can you cook?
[laughs] No! Hopeless. Absolutely hopeless.

You've watched Sachin come out to bat, seen the pressure of expectation each time. Have you ever envied him?
Not at all. I envy his ability, I think everybody does. But I wouldn't want to handle that kind of pressure. I think it's a testament to Sachin, the way he deals with it.

What are your lasting impressions of India?
Amazing to see the reception that cricketers get here. The passion that Indians have for the game is extraordinary.