Quotes of the week

I've never known anything quite like it. They are a disgrace to the nation. It was the worst cricket humiliation I can remember. They seem to have lost their desire to fight. Denis Compton, former England batsman, leads the criticism of England's cricketers after the second Test defeat in Melbourne.

n Mike [Atherton] is one of the nicest guys you could ever meet but he has never even captained Lancashire. OK, he captained Cambridge University, but so what? Fred Trueman, former England bowler.

They [England] are the worst English team since the war. They allow the bowlers to dictate. They have hit rock bottom, which I find very sad. It's so bad for cricket. Neil Harvey, former Australian batsman.

The consequences are serious. The Australian administrators won't keep inviting England over for a five-match series with results like this. Bob Willis, former England player.

He's [Shane Warne] bowling too many overs. We don't need him bowling that many, otherwise he won't last. He can't last. Ian Healy, the Australian vice-captain.

n Peter had a classic technique and set standards of style at the crease which have rarely been equalled. Gary Sobers, the former West Indies captain, pays tribute to Peter May who died last week.

There is no reason why we should be spoken about like Germany and Italy. It is an illusion. England have never been successful right back to the days of Matthews and Finney. Terry Venables, England's coach.

He is not a good team player.

Malcolm Allison's verdict on Andy Cole, Newcastle's prolific goalscorer.

People have the right to kick us where it hurts. If I was outside the club, I would probably be saying the same thing - that the bubble at Newcastle has burst. Kevin Keegan, Newcastle's manager, on his side's recent slump in form.

That's £50 the fans are out of pocket inside 24 hours. That's too much. And there is too much football. They [the FA Premiership powers] probably don't believe people earn only £200 a week. Alan Smith, the Crystal Palace manager, on playing two matches in two days.

Two top drivers in the same team rarely pays off. They get into fights on and off the track. They hide information from each other and this hinders the progress of a team. Michael Schumacher, the Bennetton No 1 driver, on the prospect of teaming up with Nigel Mansell in Formula One.

Compiled by Rob McLean