Hampered by constant injuries, this Australian decided to pursue only T20 cricket. Earning his dollar in various T20 leagues around the world, Tait meet his fiancee, model Mashoom Singha while playing for the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL.
"I now live six months in India and the other six in Australia. She tries to teach me Hindi everyday, but it's not easy! I guess I'll have to hire a tutor," he says with a chuckle.
On Thursday, Tait went to the Hiranandani Foundation School, where Kooh Sports launched a cricket development centre. Excerpts:
Can Indians be tear away fast bowlers?
Absolutely. I can understand that young players in India look up to Sachin Tendulkar, and want to be batsmen. The wickets here are not inspiring to be a fast bowler too. The good thing is, kids here are willing to learn more than those I've seen in Australia. The love for cricket is quite different here. There is bound to be good fast bower coming through.
The bowlers are having a hard time in the on-going India-Australia series. Any suggestions?
I think there is scope for improvement in death bowling. I haven't seen yorkers being used consistently. A yorker is hard to get away on any wicket.
What could be wrong with Ishant Sharma?
He is a good bowler, but not in the right form. They should bowl him at different times in the innings, rather than always use him at the death. Maybe, they can bowl him out with the new ball.
Do you think the two-ball rule is making it tougher for the bowlers in ODIs?
It is a terrible, ridiculous rule. It takes reverse swing out of the game. Earlier, the ball used to get a lot softer, and it was harder to hit out of the ground in the end. Cricket was always a game in which only one ball was used. Why use two balls now? It is definitely a factor in more runs being scored. Especially in the sub-continent. If India is opposing it, it is a good thing.
How was your experience of bowling to Sachin Tendulkar?
I can recall my first IPL game for the Royals. It was against the Mumbai Indians. That match was built up as a big contest between him and me. I thought I'll bowl to him around the top of off stump. It was a flat wicket at the Brabourne Stadium, and conditions were hot. As per my plan, I bowled my first two balls outside off, but Sachin hit both to square leg for fours. It was a sort of 'welcome to Mumbai' board for me. 'I'm in for a hard day here,' I told myself. I gave away 45 runs in fours overs. I realized I was in Sachin's territory. I would place Tendulkar above two of the best batsmen in my time - Ricky Ponting and Brian Lara. I am thankful I had a chance to play against him.
Why is Australia doing well in ODIs but struggling in the Tests?
Test cricket is a harder game. The Test side includes young players and inexperienced players. It will take a little longer for them to play as well as Australia are supposed to.
Will Australia be able to take revenge in the Ashes this winter?
I feel Australia will win. We almost won a couple of Tests in England this summer. At home, we will be harder to beat.
How did the Royals manage to bounce back from 'fixing episode?
It rocked our boat. However, the best thing was that everyone came together after that, and we moved on. To make CLT20 final after that was brilliant. We showed great character. We have good people, not just good cricketers. It creates a good culture. We have mentally tough people.
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