‘In India, there’s nowhere to hide’

So he did what top cricketers do: had a spell at the nets, umpiring at the training sessions of both India and Australia on Monday. Then ‘meditating’ by standing at both ends of the pitch to get a ‘‘feel’’ of the playing arena.

So does he feel the pressure? ‘‘There is pressure everywhere in the cricketing world, in India it is just very exciting. You can feel it in your bones. The only pressure comes from within, if you let that get to you. Crowds will be there, but you can only control just one ball.’’

How do you beat the noise? ‘‘There is no way to hide, because it is there. You just have to focus on two things: batsman and bowler. All you are doing is blocking 50 per cent of that factor. Once you take in the atmosphere, you will miss a trick or two especially in countries like India and subcontinent. So what I do use is my eyes and my ears very well.’’

As we speak, another of his many fans comes forward, proffering book and pen. ‘‘I think about 30,’’ he says counting the number of autograph books he’s signed since his arrival in India. Though he’s not complaining, saying he knows they are ‘‘doing it for the right reasons’’.

If there’s one twinge of regret, it’s not standing at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens. But Bowden is prepared to wait. ‘‘It’s one venue I would love to be at. But I am young enough and am ugly enough to wait for my chance.’’