How much has it enhanced our appreciation of these two giants of the game that we have been able to study them through television and its evolving technologies?

Free Foresters represent a love of cricket strong enough to travel long distances at considerable expense to unfamiliar grounds and an uncertain welcome; what do the rich and pampered England cricket team represent?

I wasn't in a position to see a replay of Rudi Koertzen's refusal of the lbw appeal against Alistair Cook, so suspended judgement, and have only just caught up with it

Ho-hum.

"I just close my eyes and whang it down anyway, so there's not much planning there." Thus Matthew Hoggard, bringing the house down at his press conference last night, in response to the mysterious straying of England’s bowling plan

There have been a few legends involved in this game, but only two 'Legends'

I was at the Melbourne Test just over 30 years ago when Lance Gibbs broke Fred Trueman’s record of 307

One day, the story goes, a barracker from the hill shouted to Ken Mackay: 'Piss off Slasher

Glenn McGrath’s post-practice press conference to announce the end of a career so splendoured seemed extraordinarily subdued, like the Rolling Stones being reduced for their farewell gig to playing covers in a pub.

Warne was mandated by nature to bowl slow.

He’s not the messiah, of course – just a very naughty boy.

As in 2005, the trophy was won by the team that wanted it more, and that planned, selected and executed accordingly.

I so enjoy watching Warne bowl that it’s almost a shame to spoil it by writing: it’s like explaining a magic trick.

For the record, I think Alan Knott is the greatest wicketkeeper batsman in history

At times, the play resembled the middle overs of a one-day match; then, in the last hour, it swung violently towards Twenty20 territory.

After his full-blooded sweep for four from Warne, the roar shook the temporary seating

‘He’s Out’ announced the newspaper posters when Bradman’s wicket fell; Ponting now needs as little introduction.

The WACA looks, frankly, shabby

For me, the big question was never how much cricket could raise, but why it was raising it

There never was a better karaoke partner