I grew up in Brisbane, Queensland, and had quite a good time as a kid. I was the eldest child in my household and in a way I was the leader for my two younger brothers.

Even though my parents separated when I was nine, my mother used to take us on camping trips during holidays and we enjoyed Queensland’s beauty. My mother always wanted us to go out and enjoy nature’s beauty, be adventurous and learn about new things by experiencing them first-hand. I have very fond memories of our camping days.

I was almost a foot taller than my classmates, and hence didn’t have much of a chance to be naughty — I virtually stood out. I think I was obedient. I was made to feel responsible as I was the eldest at home, and looked older than others in class. In a way, I enjoyed playing the leadership role.

I enjoyed hanging around with friends after school and doing all the things that kids normally do. We friends also used to go out on trekking trips. It was my early adventures out of town and in the countryside that prepared me later on for my visits to various parts of the world as part of the Australian cricket team.

I was just about above average in studies, so was never a disappointment for my mother, but it was sports that always held my interest. My build also helped, and I was very fit. I played cricket, rugby and other sports, and was mentally prepared to be a sportsman. In fact, during the summers, I used to play cricket on every weekday without fail, and I must tell you, Australian summers are pretty hot.

I was still in school when I made my first class debut — that too at the Sidney Cricket Ground. I was also a regular member of my school rugby team and represented a club as a teenager. In fact, I represented my country in an under-19 rugby tournament.

All in all, I must say that I had a pretty playful childhood, and I guess what helped in the process was that I knew what I was good at and pursued it.