Mark Nicholas

Tuning in to a cracker of a Test in a time zone more than five hours ahead of yours is quite the tonic

Amid questions over the domestic schedule and a rut for the national team, their captain inspired Australia to turn things around - but bigger tests lie ahead

That, the mountains of runs he put up, his dignity under provocation, and his kindness and decency

Special as the likes of Hanif, Inzamam, Miandad and Yousuf were, this cussed oldster just might have pipped them all. He certainly has the numbers

You only needed to watch Australia's youngest debutant in Adelaide to know that the playing of cricket brings joy

The key is for them to see an opportunity in the chaos that engulfs them

Steyn, Philander, Morkel and Rabada come from a long, proud line of fast men, and they'll present Australia with a stern challenge

To better appreciate the value of quotas in sport, take a look again at Basil D'Oliveira's story

It is difficult to be sure that the punishment of relegation fit Durham's crime (if crime it was), but the points penalty undermines the cricketers and the supporters

The summer just past, including the thrilling finale of the County Championship, have provided much reason for fans to celebrate

England has for long needed a T20 tournament modelled on the IPL and BBL. If one comes to be, as it looks likely to, it could shake up the domestic game for the better

While it's up to each player to make his own decision to travel or not, there are plenty of reasons to go ahead with the tour

In ODIs they have a line-up packed with power hitters down to the lower order. The 444 was not as much of a surprise as it might at first seem

England looked tired after their victory in the third Test, and Pakistan looked energised by the need to respond. The upshot was telling at The Oval

The one constant in Pakistan cricket is the inherent quality and variety of the bowling. The use of the ball, its leather and its seam, is a culture, forensically explored and widely envied

Amid the nervous tension, frustration and elation, Mohammad Amir finally drew a line under his Lord's story

It is a time of fine leadership, strong management and uncomplicated coaching for them. For Sri Lanka, not so much

Test cricket needs to be given back to the people. Everybody must buy in to this bigger picture or the moment will pass us by

The youngest among a bloody-minded dozen, Alastair Cook was marked out for greatness more than a decade ago - and there is still more to come

England's top five is dominated by four right-handed batsmen with modern stances but very contrasting styles