Players / Alastair Cook

England v SA, Champions Trophy, semi-final, The Oval

Anderson the catalyst for crushing win

Jun 19, 2013: The day could hardly have gone more smoothly for Alastair Cook as England moved one step closer to a major achievement that has eluded them for so long

England v South Africa, Champions Trophy, semi-final, The Oval

England seek to answer critics again

Jun 18, 2013: They know their approach to the format is not universally appreciated but victory over a strong South Africa will put England into the final

England v NZ, Champions Trophy, Group A, Cardiff

Never write off Alastair Cook

Jun 16, 2013: England's captain has proved the doubters wrong on many occasions and continues to improve as a batsman and play a key role for his side

Champions Trophy 2013

Lots of rumour, but no hard evidence

Jun 15, 2013: The words of a former England captain turned commentator have sparked a controversy around the Champions Trophy hosts but, as yet, there is no hard evidence

England v Sri Lanka, Champions Trophy, Group A, The Oval

Warner row shows how Root has bedded in

Jun 12, 2013: That he was out drinking with senior players and was targeted by David Warner's misfiring aim proves Joe Root is firmly a part of Team England

Eng v Aus, Champions Trophy Group A, Edgbaston

Ashes put aside for Trophy opener

Jun 7, 2013: It may be the first of many England versus Australia clashes over the next few months but both teams have their eyes on the initial prize at Edgbaston

England v New Zealand, 2nd NatWest ODI, Ageas Bowl

England's CT plans hit by defeats, injuries

Jun 3, 2013: England's plans for the Champions Trophy could need a significant rethink following their two heavy defeats against New Zealand amid growing concerns over the fitness of Stuart Broad and Steven Finn

England v New Zealand, 2nd NatWest ODI, Ageas Bowl

Guptill savours 'special' innings

Jun 2, 2013: Martin Guptill was savouring the "special" feeling of becoming New Zealand's highest scorer in a one-day international after scorching his way to an unbeaten 189 at the Ageas Bowl

England v New Zealand, 1st NatWest ODI, Lord's

England have 'niggles' in quick turnaround

May 30, 2013: Alastair Cook said he could not remember a quicker turnaround in formats during his career

Eng v NZ, 2nd Investec Test, Headingley, 5th day

Cook, Flower claim tactics 'vindicated'

May 28, 2013: Alastair Cook and Andy Flower insisted their tactics had been "vindicated" after England won the second Test against New Zealand by 247 runs to clinch a 2-0 series victory.

England v New Zealand, 2nd Investec Test, Headingley, 5th day

England must end insularity to become great

May 28, 2013: If England had indicated a greater arrogance born of their total control of the match, there would have been no need for today's weather-led nervousness

Eng v NZ, 2nd Investec Test, Headingley, 4th day

England know what's best for England

May 27, 2013: Too slow, too negative, too defensive, England are not interested in anyone else's opinion and know their own plans bring success

England v NZ, 2nd Investec Test, Headingley

Pietersen shadow lingers over England

May 23, 2013: Headingley still evokes memories of Kevin Pietersen's 2012 outburst but it now offers a further audition for his post-reintegration understudies

England v NZ, 1st Investec Test, Lord's, 4th day

Mercurial Broad proves class again

May 19, 2013: His search for consistency goes on but Stuart Broad's display once more showed he has the attributes to be a special bowler

England v New Zealand, 1st Investec Test, Lord's

Cook will not accept slow start

May 15, 2013: Alastair Cook expects England to raise their standards at the start of the home international season

England v New Zealand, 1st Investec Test, Lord's

Sharpen up to avoid second headache

May 15, 2013: Without time for the military-like preparation that has preceded successes against Australia and India, England were lacklustre in New Zealand and can't afford to be off-guard again

England's beating heart

May 14, 2013: Matt Prior is the fulcrum of the England dressing room today, and the protector of their spirit. But things weren't always this way

England v New Zealand, 1st Test, Lord's

Bresnan confident his bite is back

May 13, 2013: Tim Bresnan has Alastair Cook in his sights over the next two days at Lord's as he attempts to secure a recall for the opening Test against New Zealand.

Essex v Hampshire, Chelmsford, 2nd day

Essex look to Cook for assistance

Apr 30, 2013: Graham Napier gave Essex a first-innings lead with a lower-order half-century to put his side on top at Chelmsford

Essex v Hampshire, Chelmsford, 1st day

Essex stumble on Bopara's mixed day

Apr 29, 2013: Ravi Bopara had a mixed day. It started with him being named in the England Lions squad, then two wickets followed but he failed with the bat as Essex stumbled