Tuesday 19 January 2016 12:02, UK
England all-rounder Ben Stokes admits he has struggled with nerves and self-doubt throughout his career.
Stokes has played a leading role in England's Test series win against South Africa, scoring a memorable 258 in the second Test, but has revealed a lack of self confidence has plagued him since his earliest days in the professional game.
"As I have gone up in levels, I have always thought I'm not good enough," Stokes told the Daily Telegraph.
"I remember my first game for Durham, I was petrified. My first game for Cumbria, I was sick after lunch because of the nerves."
The 24-year-old admitted he was as astounded by some of the shots he played to get his double century in Cape Town and is amazed by his current level of performance.
Stokes has claimed 52 wickets and batted at an average of 34.35 in 22 Tests, which has included two record-breaking centuries.
"Sometimes I can't believe I have hit a good shot," he added. "In Joburg, I hit (Morne) Morkel over his head for four. It just happened.
"I played the shot and then thought 'oh God, how did that happen? Did I do that?'"
Stokes has credited England's victory in the Test Series against South Africa to the simple man-management and tactical awareness of England coach Trevor Bayliss and his assistant Paul Farbrace.
"Farby [Farbrace] and Trevor [Bayliss] have completely changed the way we think about playing cricket.
"There used to be so many theories and ideas going into it - and we got drawn away from the way we played for our counties, which is what got us playing for England in the first place."
England will play the fourth and final Test in Centurion at Super Sport Park with an unassailable 2-0 series lead.