What are you up to these days?

I played club cricket with Ashtead this year and I am helping a flatmate out by working in his shop in Sutton High Street. I injured my back during the summer and am trying to get my fitness levels back through the winter. When the time is right, I will do a fitness instructor course and Level Two cricket coach course. I am also a shareholder in an IT company in Sydney.

Where does the nickname Spider come from?

When I played club cricket in Australia we had an opening bowler nicknamed Snake because of his physique. His physique was similar to mine but we couldn’t have two Snakes in the team so I have been Spider ever since.

What was your most memorable experience?

Playing in the Melbourne Test in 1998 in front of 100,000 fans. They gave me some stick for my Aussie background but I swung the ball both ways and we won. I hit some vital runs at the end amid some hostile bowling and an exchange of words with Glenn McGrath, who bowled bouncers at me. I think he got a fine for it.

Do you have any regrets?

No. I gave it my all. I played 19 Test matches and 50 one-day internationals for England. Some people accused me of being too laid back and not giving 100 per cent but that was never the case.

What are your thoughts on club cricket in England?

We have a brilliant chairman and a good structure at Ashtead. There are several promising youngsters who I enjoy working with. But it does not compare to the system in Australia where the weather and facilities are far better.

What kind of reaction do you get when playing club cricket?

It’s good fun. I get on well with team-mates and the opposition. I enjoy passing on advice to the youngsters on both sides.

Tell us about the question and answer night at Sutton Cricket Club on Friday, December 3.

I am looking forward it. I have a number of mates coming along and am sure that we will have a good laugh. Then we have got the Adelaide Test on the box to enjoy straight after. I have done a few Q&A’s over the years.

Can England win the Ashes?

I asked Coral for odds on England to win the series 5-0 but they refused to give me a price. I will have to check out the odds on Betfair. I am confident we will win comfortably. The Aussies have no bowling attack to speak of and our bowling options are far better. Much will depend on the conditions, especially in Brisbane and Perth.

QUESTIONS: Paul Eldridge