Ashes / Features

Champs today, chumps tomorrow

Dec 12, 2013: In separating sportsmen into two distinct categories - tough men and cowards - we not only miss the subtlety, we miss the whole truth

The Ashes 2013-14

Fiery Johnson prepares for the mind games in Perth

Dec 11, 2013: Having troubled the English batsmen with his speed and accuracy, Mitchell Johnson is now preparing for the mind games ahead of the third Ashes Test in Perth

The Ashes 2013-14

Rogers and Smith seek Perth lift

Dec 11, 2013: Both batsmen haven't had the best of series so far, but while Rogers has a solid record at the WACA, Smith is yet to come to terms with the bouncy track

The Ashes 2013-14

Unfair to blame the coaching staff

Dec 11, 2013: Andy Flower has created an excellent environment and any criticism of him and the set-up is missing the mark. It's the players who have failed

Why do we choose cricket?

Dec 11, 2013: When you stop to analyse Test cricketers, you can start to see the reason they took up various roles within the game

Raise courage and commitment, England

Dec 10, 2013: The ability to respond to challenges that are beyond the daily call is diminished by overkill, but that is precisely the task ahead of Cook and Co

A unique double, and an Ashes record

Dec 10, 2013: Also, all-round feats in a match, debutant captains, most runs by Under-25s, and fathers and sons playing together

Australia v England, 2nd Test, Adelaide, 4th day

Fun, frolic and Ashes Pashes

Dec 9, 2013: Day 4 at Adelaide was a reversion to the grinding-out cricket that makes Test matches real tests of patience and skill

Australia v England, 2nd Test, Adelaide, 5th day

All calm in Johnson's slipstream

Dec 9, 2013: Somehow, in 88 days, the Ashes flipped around. Even the Barmy Army's Mitchell Johnson song doesn't make sense any more

It's a draw!

Dec 9, 2013: After Darren Bravo's superb effort in Dunedin, a look at some other famous match-saving innings in Tests

Warks test rebrand loyalty

Dec 9, 2013: The news that Warwickshire will be known as Birmingham Bears in next season's T20 is another example of the muddled thinking that surrounds the format in England

Australia v England, 2nd Test, Adelaide, 4th day

Mighty young Joe

Dec 8, 2013: He stood up to Mitchell Johnson and showed the fight England and their fans needed. Joe Root was the boy who wouldn't back down

Martin McCague

'I used to sledge while batting too'

Dec 8, 2013: An Aussie who played for England remembers how the press reacted to his selection

Australia v England, 2nd Test, Adelaide, 3rd day

From outcast to beast

Dec 7, 2013: Mitchell Johnson may not be a gigantic, horned, fire-breathing dragon with seven heads - but he could not have done much more damage if he were

'Sandra Bullock would play me in a film'

Dec 7, 2013: England's batsman-keeper on the highlight of her career, wearing hockey shin pads, and buying a house with a pool and a cinema

Australia v England, 2nd Test, Adelaide, 1st day

Teething troubles at the new-look Adelaide Oval

Dec 6, 2013: The new Adelaide Oval is so good, it should be on your bucket list. But if the weather is going to stay this way, bring a jacket.

Role reversal and ugliness add to the excitement

Dec 4, 2013: Australia are on top, Johnson is firing, Cook and Flower are struggling, Clarke and Lehmann are clicking. We can't wait for Adelaide

Australia v England, 2nd Test, Adelaide

England face up to rebuilding phase

Dec 3, 2013: Months of planning go into each Ashes series yet, ahead of this Test, England are in the uncomfortable position of having doubts over at least three positions in their side

Pietersen's hour

Dec 3, 2013: He and the rest of England's top players will have to stand up and be counted in Adelaide

Kohli's runs, and lots of catches

Dec 3, 2013: Also, six-for losers, fastest keeper to 100 dismissals, Clifford Roach's unbreakable records, and keeper-captain feats