Cook's stunning rise in ODIs

Numbers Game: Once thought to be too slow, Alastair Cook has transformed himself into one of the best ODI openers currently

'I want to be known as a Test cricketer'

Darren Bravo is learning lessons from his first year in international cricket, and is eager to pick up tips, especially from Brian Lara

Maynard death overshadows cricket

Switch Hit: A tragic passing puts two fine ODI performances by England in the shade: Bell's and Cook's top-order tons

Mentor, funny man, match-winner Gayle

Chris Gayle's return to the West Indies side after a year out is bound to have an impact

Mentor, funny man, match-winner Gayle

He has been out of the West Indies side for a while, but Chris Gayle still doesn't have to say much to make his presence felt. By Nagraj Gollapudi

West Indies need more action, less talk

Garth Wattley: The Ramdin affair has highlighted the need to nurture the right mindset in players

'Narine is interesting rather than special'

Geoffrey Boycott on the need for an official IPL window, Ramdin's reaction, and why Sunil Narine isn't quite there yet

Why can't match referees rule on bad light?

Mark Nicholas: Paying viewers are short-changed when players go off in borderline poor conditions

England not at their Best

Switch Hit: After a disappointing third Test, can England regain momentum with a good ODI series?

The Jimmy riddle

Rob Steen: Was Andy Flower right to convince James Anderson to take a breather?

Rotation a risk?

Switch Hit: Anderson is given time off that he doesn't want for the third Test, while Pietersen's desire for a break has cost him a career in two formats

The Bresnan effect

Ed Smith: What makes some players talismans, in whose presence their teams play better than they would otherwise?

WI's fatherless class of 2012

Garth Wattley: If Gayle and Sarwan return to the Test side, can they provide their inexperienced young team-mates the guidance they themselves did not receive?

'WI's top four not up to it'

Geoff Boycott on West Indies' batting woes, Tim Bresnan's success, and why Graeme Hick and Mark Ramprakash didn't click in international cricket

There's no 'I' in Team England

Switch Hit: Is this side greater than the sum of its parts? Should the bowlers be rotated with two strenuous Test series ahead?

The swap Samuels made

Older, wiser, more sober, Marlon Mark 3 has traded in some of the flash and impetuosity of his younger self to good effect. By Rob Steen

'I didn't expect Waugh to ring me'

Five Firsts: Compliments from Tugga and words of advice from Ambrose for Darren Sammy

A pretty good day to be a 'Sam'

Two Chucks: Darren Sammy shuts everyone up, England bowlers look knackered, and what fans think of Nick Knight

England pass tough test

Switch Hit: Will enforced changes push the West Indies out of the series at Trent Bridge? Plus the latest county news

Welcome to fortress England

Mark Nicholas: They are utterly professional, confident, and exude an air of superiority over touring opposition

Drop Strauss? No way

The Two Chucks: Stuart Broad's grandfather, Shannon Gabriel's neck and a song about Shivnarine Chanderpaul

'Harder the battle, sweeter the victory'

Century on Test debut or not, Kirk Edwards knows it doesn't come easy at the highest level. By Nagraj Gollapudi

A tale of two wicketkeepers

Numbers Game: England have had Matt Prior for most of the last five years, but West Indies have struggled to find someone as successful

'Lord's is a very spiritual place'

Alison's Tea Break: Writer and broadcaster Alison Mitchell interviews cricket's big names. First up: West Indies captain Darren Sammy

The hardest act to follow

Rob Steen: Given the circumstances, even baby steps by West Indies in England will amount to victory

A tale of two Yorkshiremen

Mark Nicholas: Jonny Bairstow and Ajmal Shahzad: two players at crucial stages in their careers

Bairstow's chance to shine

Switch Hit: Can Jonny Bairstow cement a place at No. 6? Has Bopara lost his chance for good? Plus, is Ramps' end nigh?

Gayle's return: boon or bane?

It's all down to how he gets along with the captain and coach, and whether he can fit into the team's new ethic. By Garth Wattley

Can it get worse for West Indies?

Switch Hit: The tourists have had a tough week in England with visa issues, an AWOL player and rain. What else could go wrong?

'I'm a proud mama's boy'

Darren Sammy loves his mother, buys her expensive gifts, and hopes she won't hear him swear too much. And did you know he's afraid of flying?

The truth about Sammy

Garth Wattley: Darren Sammy may not have the best numbers but he is a man steadily improving while handling a difficult job

How good is the West Indies attack?

Switch Hit: Curtly Ambrose on the issues West Indies' quicks could cause England. Plus, which English Lions can step up to Test level?