The first cut - Jacques Rudolph

"When I finally made my official Test debut against Bangladesh I was not nervous at all. Past incidents had taught me that international cricket is harsh and patience is a useful bedfellow. It was a great privilege to represent my country - and then to top that by registering the highest score by a South African batsman on debut, with 222 not out.

"Cricket came naturally from age three, owing largely to my father, who played club cricket. Growing up next to a cricket field helped hone my skills. I always dreamed of playing for South Africa, but it was frustrating to have to come as far as Chittagong to do so. I was disappointed when the match against India at Centurion in 2001 was stripped of Test status because of the Mike Denness affair. In my mind I regarded it as a Test, but when I got the double against Bangladesh, I realised I couldn't have had a better debut.

"Centurion was followed by another disappointment, in Sydney a few months later. As a youngster one always thinks of playing against the best and I would have loved to have made my debut at the MCG or the SCG. It was very difficult when things beyond my power took that opportunity away from me [Justin Ontong replaced Rudolph when the United Cricket Board intervened at the last minute to include a coloured person in the team]. It was not a great experience, but you learn from things like this and they build your character.

"I have learned that you have got to be more patient, and that shot selection needs to be much better at this level. I am a great believer in the power of the mind. Even if you give your best, you can always do better."