Every sport requires a tournament that marks its pinnacle, that provides the ultimate testing ground for players and teams, that is a fitting shop window for the game

The reason Australian batsmen are struggling to bat through a session is because they are caught up in the nonsensical new notions of Twenty20 technique

To repair its reputation and standard of cricketing excellence, Australia must restore the strength of its domestic cricket and introduce balance in its corridors of power

The MCG result tells us things about the visitors and the hosts both: one young and ambitious, the other inept and fretful

Australian wickets have been denatured and characterless for far too long. Let's hope Melbourne produces a track like the one in Perth

England's resurgence has come about thanks to intelligent use of its natural resources, whether the variety within the immigrant community or the grey matter of former captains

Both sides essentially approached the Brisbane Test defensively, and sound as the reasoning was, it didn't help set pulses racing

Kevin Pietersen arrives in Australia with his game in working order and his purpose renewed.

They have a settled side and a united leadership, but they haven't been as impressive away as at home, their bowlers are unproven and their batsmen far from impregnable

A team of slowpokes who will test the patience of the fiercest opponents and the tolerance of the most obdurate viewers

He fits the type and is the right age but is yet to show that he can confront his weaknesses and toughen up like Ponting did

VVS Laxman is an artist whose strength lies not in his artistry but in his competitive spirit, a batsman who needs adversity to unleash the giant within

Time is up for making excuses and passing the buck; anti-corruption bodies and administrators can do no good if players keep giving in to temptations

The nebulous idea of the spirit of cricket is hard to sustain in our fractious times. Better to think in terms of respect for opponents, perhaps

The five-day game is still compelling, but pitches need to be got right if the format is to thrive

Australia and India face similar problems, with ageing stalwarts and unproven youngsters. The upcoming series between the two doesn't seem as good a prospect as those in recent times

Murali hasn't been combative like Warne or full of rage like Kumble; more unconventional than them, and tenacious to the core, he has surpassed them both

Strauss's boys are full of a new attitude, defined by resilience, optimism and unbreakability

Things may not be as rosy as observers may have cause to hope for, but respect for those seeking to rebuild the country and its cricket must surpass anger about those hell-bent on its destruction

Our sport must embrace the environment it belongs to, engage with it, and move with the times