Cullinan: 'Warne was too good for me'

What's life like now you've retired from international cricket?
Much more relaxing. Luckily I enjoy watching cricket. There really are some great games being played right now. I hope we are entering a golden era of batting.

What are you doing these days?
I am still playing domestic cricket and doing television commentary. I also have multi-purpose sports centres. A large focus of our work is community based, raising the teaching and coaching standards of not only sportsmen and women, but coaches as well. I am extremely excited about our specialiced coaching camps for national and international groups. It is a wonderful way to enjoy and see our beautiful country.

Are you involved with South African cricket in any way?
I feel that my sports centres are a unique way to stay in touch and involved in the game. It is important to put something back in to cricket, and I feel this gives me the scope to do my own thing.

You were playing not too long ago. In hindsight, was there anything you'd like to have changed?
Yes, to have enjoyed my cricket more and made more friends!

Graeme Smith, the new South African captain, has a style of his own. How do you think he compares to previous ones?
Hansie Cronje and Kepler Wessels were very similar in style. Cronje, though, was more charismatic and more a people's person. Both were single-minded and determined people who led from the front. For Shaun Pollock, I think the circumstances and timing of his sacking was poor. Smith will make a good captain, but has a lot to learn both on and off the field. Only time and experience will teach him this.

You had six century-partnerships with Gary Kirsten. What was it like batting with him?
We both challenged each other, and in a very good manner spurred each other on.

Do you and Shane Warne stay in touch?
He was guest of honour at my benefit dinner banquet during the World Cup in South Africa. He stole the show and was a great credit to the game.

You were one of South Africa's best players of spin. What was it about Warne that caused you such a problem?
Quite simply, Warne was too good for me. In hindsight, the focus on me was a compliment. I, however, only caught on towards the end that I did not do the simplest of things well - and that is watch the ball out the hand. But by then it was too late.

Graeme Smith said how the Aussies put him through a verbal wringer when he made his debut. But South Africa weren't a bunch of angels either ...
The sledging side of things has always been around since I can remember. It is really television that exposes it more. It's a catch 22 situation.

South Africa now travel to New Zealand, a country where you scored nearly 600 runs in five innings during the 1994-95 tour. Did the pitches suit your style of play?
The wickets were good for batting and I hit a purple patch. At the start of the tour I didn't make the starting line up. This really got me going, and I put the work in and the rest was history.

You were a child prodigy. Did that ever get in your way?
It did, unfortunately, and the expectations were huge. It took a while to put it into context, but it did affect my early career.

You have always tried, succeeded for a time, and then something went wrong. Have you ever dwelled on that?
If you have been around a while trying to succeed at the highest level you will deal with problems and issues. I am more proud of having bounced back and that, I believe, has taken mental strength and determination.

Would you still like to play for South Africa?
No