Nagpur, Feb. 8: The sight of Dale Steyn rushing in with rhythm and purpose is starting to become one of the endearing images of modern day cricket. Steyn’s performance should not come as a surprise. Batting units around the world are finding it increasingly difficult to find solutions to his searing speed, movement and swing. The seven-wicket hero spoke to reporters after another rewarding day in office. Excerpts:

On the plan after tea: Van Zyl (team coach) sat us down during the break and asked us to lift it up a little bit. We had the ball changed because the one we were using had the seam open. We got it to reverse and were also lucky with a few wickets. It just started a roll. The overall planning and execution were good.

On inputs from former bowlers: To be honest, I did not speak to anyone like Allan Donald or others who have toured here. But information always gets passed on. Tips on these wickets and how to bowl in these conditions will remain in our side. It will be like that forever.

On reverse swing: Before the Test started, we said that reverse swing was going to be a key factor on these flat pitches. You’re not going to get a lot of sideways movement off the wicket. You have to rely on getting the ball to do something through the air. I said this before, a 145k yorker, whether it’s in Johannesburg or Nagpur, is still the same. The plan was to hit the deck hard, with pace.

On the in-swinger becoming a weapon: It’s something I’ve been working a lot with in the nets. I don’t want to reveal all my secrets. It’s nice to see guys shoulder arms and the ball cannoning into the stumps. I got Ian Bell like that in Johannesburg and that was where it started. The one I got Vijay was worked out.