I will pay to watch Virender Sehwag: Graham Gooch

How do you see the India-SA series panning out?
I just landed in India and was able to watch some highlights. I’m really impressed by the way the South African bowlers have taken up the challenge of bowling in Indian conditions. The ball that got rid of Sachin Tendulkar in the first innings was a beauty and shows the depth and aggression in the South African attack. Indian batsmen used to pounce on pacers on Indian pitches. This time around, things are different — India will have to earn every run.

How important is such a series for the survival of Test cricket?
I agree Test cricket is in danger due to Twenty20. A series such as this one and also the one England played in South Africa will really help in increasing the popularity of Test cricket. We have the Ashes but if we can produce more such rivalries in international cricket, like the one we are seeing right now, it would be great.

Do you think Test cricket can tackle the onslaught from T20?
I like T20 cricket, it’s great entertainment. But at the same time you also have to realise that Test cricket is the real test. If you want to see the art of batting, bowling or for that matter spin, Test cricket is the one. So I think it’s a big challenge for the administrators as to how to improve the profile of Test cricket.

What’s your take on Virender Sehwag?
Well, I will pay money to watch him play and that means he is a great entertainer with the bat. It’s exciting to watch cricket when Sehwag is at the centre. The shots he has in his kitty are really amazing and with him around, even a Test match becomes interesting. Simply, he makes you enjoy the game.

Then how would you rate him amongst the all-time openers?
Certainly one of the top openers of all time. In fact, if I look at openers in the last decade or so, he certainly is on the top of the list. He’s just amazing and has taken the art of opening the innings to a different level in all forms of the game.
How would you describe Sachin’s surge in form recently. He seems to be getting better with his age...

With age you tend to become mature and when you know that there is not much time left in your career you tend to give your best. I think it is the same with Sachin. There is no doubt the he is one of the all-time greats.

Later this year, England will be defending the Ashes but in Australia...
Right and I tell you it will be a big test for the English team. We have won the Ashes twice in the last four years. But both times, it was in England. We need to be more consistent. Right now, our system is producing good talent, but we need that one match winner who can win us the Ashes Down Under.