Joe Root

Too often have England been three down for not many and this time Joe Root was unable to provide the safety net

They are clearly the next batting stars, and each of them has outstanding Test numbers since the beginning of 2013

Steven Smith has conceded the top spot in the Test batting rankings after an underwhelming display in the first Ashes Test against England in Cardiff

England should look to make the most of his potential because unlike Gary Ballance, he does not get bogged down against pace or spin

There are four matches to go and as we saw in 2005 and 1997, sides are capable of coming from behind to win Ashes series. There will be no complacency from England. But there will be confidence

This is a new England all right. Come what may in this remarkable Test match, a seed has been sowed and the future is bright

England were bowled out for 289, setting Australia 412 to win as the first Test of the Investec Ashes moved swiftly on

Joe Root wasn't always in control and he rode his luck but ultimately new-fangled coaching processes were trumped by all that really matters: the scorebook

Josh Hazlewood has admitted Australia's bowlers did not respond well to the unexpected sight of Brad Haddin dropping Joe Root on the first day of the Investec Ashes series

What is truth and what is fiction about this England Test side? The next few weeks will show us, but for all the talk of youthful exuberance they will need senior players to lift and a good start is vital

ESPNcricinfo previews the opening Test of the Investec Ashes which takes place in Cardiff, the scene of a dramatic outcome in 2009

England continued their remarkable resurgence in limited-overs cricket with the third-largest victory in their history over New Zealand in the one-off T20 at Old Trafford

England entered what for them was uncharted territory when they successfully chased a target of 350 against New Zealand in the fourth Royal London ODI at Trent Bridge

A high benchmark was set by England in the opening match of the series but a young side is excited about trying for a repeat, however New Zealand are keen to show their response

A licence to "go out and have a swing" lay at the heart of England's remarkable rebirth in the first ODI at Edgbaston, according to Jos Buttler

England secured their largest runs victory in an ODI at Edgbaston as rampant hundreds from Jos Buttler and Joe Root led them beyond the new watermark of 400 for the first time in an ODI

A stunning fightback at Lord's as followed by a performance at Headingley which reminded how much work remains for England, but the captain was back in fine form

There was a heck of a wind at Headingley, but New Zealand refused to be blown off course and despite the setback of losing at Lord's steadfastly stood by their instincts

ESPNcricinfo looks at the dilemmas facing the England selectors in the coming weeks