Players / Alastair Cook

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

England news

England stick to Prior judgment

Apr 4, 2013: James Harris, the most sought-after player of the winter in county cricket, is one of four uncapped players in England's provisional 30-strong squad for the Champions Trophy.