'I'm fun, friendly and easy-going'

You have been tipped for an England call-up this summer. How do you feel when you hear that?
It's good when people say nice things about you but I haven't played much attention to the call-up talk. My focus is just to score runs for Middlesex and that's my sole aim. There may well be a number of guys ahead of me at the moment, so I don't get too bothered about it.

A few years ago you were a leggie who batted at No. 8. What happened?
I was always a batter in my own age group, but for a couple of years - when I was 15, 16 or 17 - my leggies took over when I playing with the men. It is a little bit of a myth that people have played on a little bit as in my own age group I've always been a batter.

Do you enjoy bowling?
I love it in the nets. I'm always keen to bowl a few dodgy leggies but I don't get called upon too often in games. I bowl too many fullies and rank half-trackers.

When the big decision came, you chose England - not Australia. Tell us why.
I'm in my seventh year in England and I love playing cricket here. I got an opportunity and it's where I have played all of my professional cricket. I live here, this is where I'm settled, and this is where I enjoy being. It all happened pretty quickly. I came over to England to play as much cricket as I can and that's still my thing. I didn't really think too much about it, because I love living in London.

What is the best thing about London?
That I can jump on a tube from where I live and within ten minutes I can be in one of the best cities in the world.

In seven games for the England sides over the winter, you scored five centuries. Did that return exceed even your own ambitions?
Yes and no. I try to go out and play, and as a batsman you just have to be confident and do the right things in training. It's just about watching the ball and doing your best and thankfully things went well. I don't set big goals. Look, it was pleasing, but I haven't given it too much thought.

You have been likened to Michael Atherton. Discuss.
I don't really think too much about that. If I could do anything like he ever did, it'd be outstanding. But I just try and play my way and score as many runs as I can for Middlesex.

A fair share of your time at the crease has been spent with Chris Rogers. What have you learned from him?
To be well-organised, determined and hungry to do well every time you come to the middle.

You have lived in London and Sydney. Where is better for a night out?
London, definitely.

How old were you when you struck your first century?
I was 13 and it was for the local club side back in Australia. I think it was a 30- or 40-over match.

What is the single best thing about the Lord's food?
The steak and chips with a beer after a win, early on the third or fourth day.

Which of your team-mates fills his plate the highest?
Tim Murtagh. He tries to eat as much as he can, whenever he can.

If Middlesex did an IQ test, who would come out on top?
James Harris.

And who would be at the bottom?
Ollie Rayner.

Describe yourself in three words.
Fun, friendly and easy-going.

Which of your team-mates has the worst taste in music?
Gareth Berg. He listens to grunge.

Who spends the most time in front of the mirror?
Steven Finn.