What is the key to succeeding in India, Justin?

It is important to get in there and settle down. Patience is the key. One must get a feel for the different pace and the spin. One must be very loose and relax because if you are tense you start pushing at the ball and that gets you caught bat and pad. You need to look at getting runs, all the time.

How do you define team spirit?

When you have a talented team, there is unity in success. It is the glue that gets the team together. When the team is losing or facing a tough time, the team spirit is the glue that keeps the team together, that has the team believing in itself. When you are away from home, this is the family you spend your time with. It is good to have these people as friends.

And how would you define your own role within this team?

As a batsman, I am part of the top three, and it is up to us to set the foundation for the innings. You can't build a nice home without a strong foundation. You have to wear the bowlers down and set the platform for Steve Waugh, Mark Waugh and Ponting to build a beautiful house. I believe strongly in team spirit, and ensuring that you work to help your mates, and to ensure that the team gels together, and provides each member the support he needs.

Now define Steve Waugh as captain?

Unbelievable! If Steve asked me to run into a brick wall, I would. I would do so without thinking at all about the consequences or about anything else. I would do that, believing that he has asked me to run into that wall because he believes in me, he believes I can run through it, so I would do it without question. That is what he means to me, that is the kind of faith and belief I have in him.

Australian player profiles

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