You've had your share of sledging moments with the Aussies. Any sweet memories?

It's psychological warfare. In 1989 I got a lot of abuse. I was such a pain in the neck for Merv Hughes. He's three times my size but was on at me all the time. In the end I turned round and said: “Why don't you just f*** off.” Dickie Bird heard me and he was shaking, but Hughes didn't say another word to me.

Did the World Twenty20 highlight how important wicketkeeping is?

It did, definitely. The two stumpings by James Foster for England were absolutely critical. It will be crucial in the Ashes. The spinner-wicketkeeper partnership is going to be crucial in the first Test. Good wicketkeeping is not a bonus, and poor keeping could cost us the series if we are not careful. I don't want to pile too much pressure on Matt Prior, but we can't afford to miss Ricky Ponting.

You are famous for always wearing that battered hat. Was it a superstition that went too far?

It was glued to my head for 20-odd years. I was given it in 1982 by Gloucestershire County Cricket Club and it lasted for all my career. There probably was some superstition, but the hat was very comfortable, it suited my body, my vision wasn't impaired. I wore the same gloves, too, and if they and the hat were not with me, I would get a panic attack and nothing else in the world would matter.

How successful was your foray into football with Forest Green Rovers?

I had two seasons with them as a goalkeeping coach, but now I'm coaching at Gloucestershire. I'm too small anyway for the football goals. I fit into five or six-a-side goals better.

And you've kept up the painting. What's this about putting Ashes moments on plastic HD set-top boxes? That must be fiddly...

It's better than canvas - the paint moves quicker as it's a smooth surface. The real challenge has been the size. I've painted Shane Warne bowling at Trent Bridge and he's only about 15mm high, but you can see his blond hair, so that makes it easier to spot him.