January 20, 2012 A month I'll never forget

We’ve just arrived in Adelaide and the whole squad is intent on finishing the series on a high with a 4-0 result. I’m pleased to report I’m fully fit and not suffering any more dizziness after that nasty knock on the head. The elbow is also fine, so I’ll be doing a full training session tomorrow without any concerns.

As I’ve seen in cricket recently, things can change very quickly so it’s important to enjoy winning while you’re on top, but also crucial to avoid being complacent and expecting success to keep coming. We’ve worked really hard this summer to improve and we won’t be taking it easy now.

On a personal note things have also changed rapidly for me in my career. Had it not been for Shane Watson’s and Shaun Marsh’s injury at the start of the summer I probably would not have even got a game, and now I’ve got two Test hundreds and have proven to myself that I can succeed at Test level. It's amazing sometimes how things work out.

I felt after the 1st innings in Melbourne on Boxing Day I was seeing the ball as well as I ever had, but a short break in that innings undid my concentration and then a couple of decent balls and two low scores had me doubting myself a little. But I just tried to focus on my strengths and play with freedom. Thankfully it paid off.

My runs came pretty quickly for me at the WACA, but I never really felt like I was trying to slog or be overly aggressive. In my mind I was just seeing the ball and hitting it. I got the shock of my life when I got to about 60 or 70 and realised I’d only faced 40 or so balls. It was one of those special afternoons where I think I was just riding the positive energy from our bowling performance and the crowd.

Perhaps the most satisfying aspect of the summer has been delivering performances that Aussie fans can be proud of. All the crowds have been getting right behind us and really enjoying our success. I think everyone’s pride took a bit of hit last summer watching the team get touched up by England, so it’s great to reward all the fans for continuing to come out and support us. After all it's always more fun winning!

Although it has pretty much been cricket cricket cricket for the past month, I did manage to get a couple of days off at home after the SCG Test. It was great to have a bit of a BBQ and catch up with some friends and get out of the bubble you are in whilst in camp. The seventh pic in the gallery is of my brother Steven (right) with my new mate Dominic Purcell (aka Lincoln Burrows) at my place. I actually faced up to Dominic in the nets and he's got a deceptive amount of pace.

I also took a trip out to Taronga Zoo, which was great as I have a huge passion for animals. It's in one of the best locations in the world and for any tourists visiting Sydney - it's a must see! I’ve got a few pictures from the day in the gallery above. I think my favourite is definitely the Meerkats.

Also, while on the subject of Sydney I want to encourage everyone to get out to ANZ stadium to see Australia take on India in the Twenty20 on February 1. I was out there doing a photo shoot last week on the roof. A bit scary, but a spectacular view, hopefully I can hit a few balls up there.

Before I go I just want to say a big thanks to all the positive messages on Twitter and Facebook. It really is humbling to read some of the comments I receive from my fans and it definitely spurs me on. So again a big thanks for all the support.

Until next time,
Dave