Scott Oliver

Data-obsessed England need reality check

'As soon as you set your fields, the batsman knows your plans'

Amir's ban a blessing in disguise

'It would've been nice to have won an Ashes, having lost four'

Top dog of the underdogs

The bias of umpires

'When I became an umpire, I didn't realise how complicated this game was'

Vicious in the shires

'You can't survive 66 Tests on the basis of a quota'

'I spent 95% of my career bowling the same ball'

'I was the mad scientist who threw ideas at the side'

'I want to teach players to become big hitters'

The geometry of captaincy

'As you get older, you come to appreciate the tough times'

'The more fielders think for themselves, the better for the team'

The corrida of uncertainty

'I had absolute belief that I'd play for Australia'

'I left the ground, had a toenail removed, and came back to celebrate'

'There is a pace to bowl for every pitch'

'It burnt to be told I didn't have the heart to play as a bowler'