Javagal Srinath celebrates a wicket, India v Sri Lanka, World Cup, Johannesburg, March 10, 2003 © Getty Images

What is the key for a fast bowler on a slow pitch?

Firstly, you’ve got to have a big heart. You’ve got to be tenacious. And you need some pace at least.

What length should one try to aim for?

That depends on the movement of the batsman, the kind of wicket, the bounce of the wicket. At times the bounce is spongy; then there are the skiddy wickets which are quick but where the ball keeps low. It’s crucial to know the nuances.

Is high pace generally more effective or are you better off trying to cut the ball?

There is a very thin line that separates pace and swing bowling – if somebody is able to manage both, the effects will be devastating. At times pace can compromise swing. As far as cut goes, it is a deviation that comes from the wicket and is very difficult to bowl on any surface.

Did you tend to go cross-seam much?

No. It is one of the varieties one can use but should not overdo. When you’re bowling cross-seam, you can cut down on pace and still get steep bounce. It’s just another variation. There are certain patterns you set the batsman up with and then you change the pattern and try to deceive him.

On spinner’s tracks, is it generally preferable for a paceman to bowl on the first morning or when the pitch is crumbling?

The fast bowlers can bowl anytime. When the wicket is spinning, the top surface is a little loose and the ball can stop a bit, so you’ve got to use cutters, and you’ve got to dig the ball a little harder into the wicket to get them working effectively.

Can the bouncer be effective on such pitches or is it a waste of time?

A bouncer on such wickets can be very effective because the batsman cannot normally go under the ball. People with bad technique will struggle on such wickets. It all depends on how you set the batsman up: you’ve got to make the batsman come on to the front foot, which he will, to try and negate the leg-before. Then you set him up for the bouncer.

Who is the best fast bowler you’ve seen on slow pitches?

Wasim and Waqar. Their pace and mastery of reverse swing were amazing. At their peak they could do anything with the ball. They understood how to bowl on slow surfaces and they bowled with a lot of interest and heart.