Around the time of my 46th birthday last week, Brian Lara and I were doing a shoot together. We recalled how we had first met in 1990 when we were part of a West Indies v World XI game in Canada. 'I'm 46 now and time has flown rather quickly. You blink and the years go by,' I said. 'I'm going to be 50 soon. Can you believe it,' he asked. Today, on the day of his life's half century, I am forced to believe it.

Certain people don't look their age when you meet them. Brian tops that list where I am concerned. In Canada, 29 years ago, we were both very young. We spoke about our early steps in the game and our friendship blossomed over the years. On the subject of friendship, I recall telling him often during our playing days, 'Brian, we are good friends, but not when I am playing for India. I'd love to watch you bat when you play Australia and other teams, but against India, I always want to see you dismissed.'