The New South Welshman Stuart Clark's humility strikes one and all like an unexpected bolt.

The paceman, who made his national debut at a ripe age of 30, attributes his attitude to his upbringing and the hardships his parents, Bruce and Mary Clark, had to undergo early in their life.

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"My parents were born in India during the World War. They had English passports so they moved to England after spending some 20 years in India and then settled in Australia. Those were tough times," Clark said.

Bruce, who hails from an Anglo Indian family in Chennai, and Mary, who belongs to the Kolar Gold Fields in Karnataka, were born in India during the World War II. Mary's family, the Booseys, are known for producing some renowned sporting personalities of that era.

The biggest lesson that Clark has learned from his parents is not to take things for granted in life or in sports.

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"In life or in cricket, I don't take anything for granted. It is because I know how hard my parents worked, and that helped me to understand the value of the chances I have received in my life."

His family background has also helped Clark develop a deep bond with India.

"I love coming to India. I enjoy the culture here, I love the people here. I enjoy the food here. I try to stay here as much I can. Since my mom and dad are from here, returning to India is sort of a homecoming," he said.

Since he can trace his lineage back to two prominent South Indian cities, has he tried to master Tamil or Kannada?

"Oh no. I don't know too many words. I know a few, but most of them are naughty words. But I don't really speak any of them," Clark said with a hearty laughter.

Courtesy: clt20.com