'I'm square, hairy, soft'
South Africa's Richard Levi talks about batting with Sachin Tendulkar, and ranks himself on dressing-room messiness
Interview by Jack Wilson
25-Apr-2015
When Richard Levi wants to know about R Ashwin, who's he going to call? • AFP
Assess your international career.
Brief but hopefully not finished.
Brief but hopefully not finished.
Talk us through your 117 not out against New Zealand.
It was a bit of a blur, if I'm honest. People say, "What do you remember?" And the answer is, "Not much!" It was one of those days where everything seemed to come off for me. I was a bit lucky in that there was an lbw shout which was the umpire's call, I could have been run out and I missed a yorker. I had no idea how many balls I'd faced.
It was a bit of a blur, if I'm honest. People say, "What do you remember?" And the answer is, "Not much!" It was one of those days where everything seemed to come off for me. I was a bit lucky in that there was an lbw shout which was the umpire's call, I could have been run out and I missed a yorker. I had no idea how many balls I'd faced.
You have played cricket all around the world. Where's the best?
It has to be South Africa - and Newlands. Nothing beats that.
It has to be South Africa - and Newlands. Nothing beats that.
Which crowd is the loudest you have played in front of?
The Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
The Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
What is it like to bat with Sachin Tendulkar?
Completely apart from anything I've ever experienced before. No matter how well you do, all the crowd are there to watch him. The way he reads the game is something totally different. It's incredible.
Completely apart from anything I've ever experienced before. No matter how well you do, all the crowd are there to watch him. The way he reads the game is something totally different. It's incredible.
What is the best thing he ever told you?
I was making my IPL debut in 2012 against Chennai Super Kings. Sachin told me the first six variations, in order, that R Ashwin was going to bowl. All six were right.
I was making my IPL debut in 2012 against Chennai Super Kings. Sachin told me the first six variations, in order, that R Ashwin was going to bowl. All six were right.
Is AB de Villiers a man or a machine?
If he was a machine, he'd come off every time! I'll go with a bit of both.
If he was a machine, he'd come off every time! I'll go with a bit of both.
Are we close to the day someone scores 200 in a T20 match?
I don't think it's far off. Games are at rugby fields now, with short straight boundaries. People are hitting 150s and 160s when it just comes off. I don't think it'll be too long until someone hits 200.
I don't think it's far off. Games are at rugby fields now, with short straight boundaries. People are hitting 150s and 160s when it just comes off. I don't think it'll be too long until someone hits 200.
Which cricketer in the world would you pay to see?
Brendon McCullum.
Brendon McCullum.
You have to select a World T20 XI. Who would be the first name on the team sheet?
Sunil Narine.
Sunil Narine.
Which of your team-mates - past or present - is the messiest in the dressing room?
I'll have to admit that could be me. Or maybe David Murphy. His kit goes everywhere.
I'll have to admit that could be me. Or maybe David Murphy. His kit goes everywhere.
Who is last at the bar to buy a round of drinks?
Chris Morris, for South Africa, or Ben Duckett at Northants.
Chris Morris, for South Africa, or Ben Duckett at Northants.
Who would you least like to be stuck in a lift with?
Dane Vilas at Cape Cobras. He wouldn't be able to sit still. He'd waste all the oxygen.
Dane Vilas at Cape Cobras. He wouldn't be able to sit still. He'd waste all the oxygen.
Who spends the most time in front of the mirror?
Rob Keogh.
Rob Keogh.
A book is written about your life. What would it be called?
Memories of a Lumberjack.
Memories of a Lumberjack.
Describe yourself in three words.
Square, hairy, soft.
Square, hairy, soft.
Which team-mate would fail an IQ test?
Ben Duckett.
Ben Duckett.
Who is the laziest player in training?
Adam Rossington.
Adam Rossington.
Who is the most naturally gifted player you have ever played with?
AB de Villiers. He sees things differently to all of us. It's frustrating seeing him play. The game is just too easy for him.
AB de Villiers. He sees things differently to all of us. It's frustrating seeing him play. The game is just too easy for him.
Give us the name of a young player with a bright future.
Dane Paterson.
Dane Paterson.