England v New Zealand 2nd Test: Joe Root says he will play his natural game at Headingley

Joe Root considered the pressures which will come with playing a first Test at his Headingley home ground and vowed to carry on doing what has come naturally during his rapid rise to the summit of English cricket.

Surrey Chairman Richard Thompson won't let tragedy hold up his ambitious plan - Paul Newman

Richard Thompson, the youngest chairman in county history and an increasingly influential figure in the English game, takes a moment to ponder how Surrey have coped with the death of Tom Maynard and the frustration of their attempt to move on by signing Graeme Smith being scuppered by injury.

BJ Watling ruled out of second Test between England and New Zealand

New Zealand wicketkeeper BJ Watling has been ruled out of the second Test against England starting on Friday at Headingley.

David Warner has been fined 3,700 by Cricket Australia for Twitter comments

David Australia batsman David Warner has been hit with the maximum fine available after pleading guilty to breaching the Cricket Australia Code of Behaviour.

Sreesanth says he is innocent in Rajasthan Royals IPL spot-fixing scandal

India test cricketer Shantakumaran Sreesanth has denied spot-fixing after being arrested in a scandal in a domestic Twenty20 league, while he and two teammates from his Rajasthan-based team remain in police custody.

The Ashes 2013: Andy Flower bans Ashes talk among England team until after Champions Trophy

As Australia embark on the long journey to England in a bid to wrestle back the Ashes, Andy Flower has banned any talk about the coveted urn among his team until after the Champions Trophy.

Pune Warriors quit scandal-hit IPL as owners say they are 'disgusted' by Indian Board

Pune Warriors have pulled out of the IPL after their owners Sahara said they were 'disgusted' by the attitude of the Board of Control for Cricket in India.

England squad for second Test v New Zealand at Headingley

England are set to name the same XI that won the first Test against New Zealand for the series finale at Headingley this week.

Kevin Pietersen cast a shadow over struggling duo Nick Compton and Jonny Bairstow

There was no attempt to don a shirt and join in the celebrations, a la John Terry, but the arrival of Kevin Pietersen at Lord’s was a reminder of what England are missing.

Nasser Hussain: Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad still showing the way for England

What outstanding bowling that was yesterday from Stuart Broad and Jimmy Anderson, and what a fabulous pair they are when the ball is moving.

England v New Zealand: Stuart Broad's seven-wicket haul clinches victory at Lord's

PAUL NEWMAN: It has taken the best part of four Tests but at Lord’s England finally and gloriously asserted their expected superiority over New Zealand and laid down a marker at the start of their seismic summer.

James Anderson: Talk of taking 400 Test wickets seems crazy

In the 10 years since I made my Test debut here at Lord’s, I have experienced all manner of emotions, ranging from elation to something close to despair. But what happened when Alastair Cook threw me the ball to show it to the crowd after taking my 300th Test wicket surpassed everything. I was just overwhelmed.

James Anderson joins 300 club interactive guide

James Anderson became only the fourth Englishman to reach 300 Test wickets on the second day of the first Test, but New Zealand have the advantage in this absorbing Test.

Kevin Pietersen ego was a challenge, says Andrew Strauss

Andrew Strauss has broken his silence on the turbulent events of last summer, claiming the problems caused by Kevin Pietersen were the ‘last thing we wanted to deal with’ during the crucial series against South Africa.

County Championship review: Middlesex on the brink after forcing Somerset to follow-on

Middlesex bowled themselves to the brink of victory on day two of their LV County Championship match against Somerset, taking 15 wickets and enforcing the follow-on.

County Championship review: Yorkshire in command against Warwickshire despite weather

Rain forced a lengthy delay on day one of the LV= County Championship Division One clash between Yorkshire and Warwickshire at Edgbaston, but the visitors still had time to put themselves in a strong position.

Joe Root - the boy born with a bat in his hand

Rummage through Joe Root’s cricket bag in the England dressing room this summer and you might well come across an old chest guard, battered — though not to submission — by the likes of Dennis Lillee and Jeff Thomson.

Yorkshire's Adil Rashid hits highest first-class score of his career

Adil Rashid struck the highest first-class score of his career as Yorkshire amassed a mammoth total on day two of their Division One clash against Somerset.

Surrey captain Graeme Smith is to fly home after a recurrence of an ankle injury

Graeme Smith could miss the rest of the domestic season with Surrey and the Champions Trophy with South Africa after a recurrence of his chronic left ankle injury.

Former England captain Alec Stewart says Hampshire will have a fight to retain their title.

The Yorkshire Bank 40 is back today and former England skipper Alec Stewart believes the Hampshire Royals will be in the running to retain their crown, but will face very stiff competition.

Yorkshire Bank 40 review: Steven Davies scores century as Surrey beat Hampshire at The Oval

Steven Davies smashed an unbeaten 127 to lead Surrey to a nine-wicket triumph over defending champions Hampshire at The Oval.

County cricket performance review: Luke Wells

In our first county cricket performance review of the season we look at left-handed Sussex opener Luke Wells, 22, who hit his maiden double century at The Kia Oval last week and has long been touted as one to watch.

ECB announce 2013 Ashes dates and venues

The England and Wales Cricket Board have released the itinerary for next year's international fixtures, with Trent Bridge playing host to the first Ashes Test.

Ashes 2013: Australian press savages 16-man squad selection

The Australian media has torn into the 16-man squad to tour England in this summer's Ashes series, calling it a 'dog's breakfast' and questioning whether the 'motley mob' is the worst to ever leave their shores.

Nasser Hussain guide to Australia Ashes squad

Australia named their 16-man squad for this summer's Ashes series on Wednesday. Here, former England captain and Sportsmail columnist Nasser Hussain runs the rule over Michael Clarke's inexperienced Baggy Green side.

Australia Ashes squad their worst ever - 5-0 here we come, says Paul Newman

Is that it, Australia? Is that all you have got? First impressions upon looking at the group of cricketers tasked with winning back the Ashes is that England will never have had it so good.

Australia announce Ashes squad: Brad Haddin recalled as Mitchell Johnson and Ben Hilfenhaus miss out

Veteran wicketkeeper Brad Haddin has been recalled to Australia's test squad as Michael Clarke's deputy to fill a leadership void for this summer's Ashes.

Bumble at the Test: Stuart Broad delivers the goods

Cometh the hour, cometh the man. On the face of it, the fourth day looked like a tricky one for England. But that was a wonderful response from Stuart Broad.

Stuart Broad career-best figures v New Zealand: Alastair Cook hails England bowler

England captain Alastair Cook hailed an on-form Stuart Broad as "an absolute nightmare" for batsmen after his career-best figures blew New Zealand away to claim the first Test Lord’s.

Sky have reached limit in commentary box with Andrew Strauss arrival - Charles Sale

It will be standing room only in the Sky Sports commentary booth during the Ashes Tests this summer, with Andrew Strauss and Shane Warne joining a TV team already bursting at the seams.