Mark Nicholas

James Anderson has fantastic variation to his bowling, but the value of the stock ball should never be underestimated

Thirty-something years ago Sri Lanka briefly lit up an English summer with some of the best cricket seen that year. Let's hope for a reprise

Spring in England is a time for getting back into the rhythms of cricket. In India, it's a different ball game, of course

Insisting on batsmen wearing standardised headgear that compromises their comfort is risky. Players should rather learn to cope better with the short ball

An apology to Darren Sammy's men, whose intoxicating win in the final was driven by organisation and smarts

It was feared that T20 would ruin batting, and cricket in general. But two recent innings give us a glimpse of a more beautiful future

Australia, England and South Africa can pose some threats, but the hosts are favourites

There's plenty of life in the format if administrators take the responsibility for smarter scheduling and more effective promotion

The fear of failure has been inherent in cricket, but T20 has changed that. The key to the future is to not let the format ride roughshod

Why his decision to quit for the greater good and for personal harmony is brave and smart

Caribbean cricket is at a desperately low ebb, and there's little hope of things improving the way they're going at the moment

The Test at Adelaide Oval was an aesthetic delight, and it put bums on seats too

His game appears to lack emotion but it is not cold. Like Kallis, but more adaptable and with greater flair

Violent as it is, rugby doesn't prevent its players from being respectful and considerate to their opponents. Surely cricketers can do the same

Traditionally the country has been sceptical about leggies. Rashid's debut performance has the potential to give the form the respect it deserves

The country produces captivating cricketers, and the global game cannot afford to rest until Pakistan is fully restored to the fold

There has been breathtaking, amazing cricket in England, but we need to ensure the next generation develops a taste for what is on offer

The Cardiff match showed the format is valid and valuable. Only, we need to be careful we don't overdo it

He could not summon the score to give his career the grand send-off, but Clarke helped mastermind an Australia win, and everything he has given the game should be remembered

There was some crazy cricket in the Ashes although the quality was not always high. Yet for both teams it is the final outcome that matters. Careers are defined.