England cricketers enjoy salaries and lifestyles beyond the reach of many of those who follow them, but they certainly work hard for their money. The team's schedule for the next 12 months and beyond is demanding enough to tempt Andrew Strauss and Andy Flower to rest key players and reduce the risk of injury.

England coasted to a series-clinching nine-wicket win in the second Investec Test against the West Indies, wrapping up victory on the fourth evening at Trent Bridge.

The "dog-thrower" Graham Gooch uses to drill England batsmen has become a regular feature of the team's net sessions, and if Jonny Bairstow keeps his place for the next Test at Edgbaston, he will surely become very familiar with it. Bairstow is a player of much promise and England believe he has the talent and attitude to succeed in Tests. The 22-year-old might prove his supporters right, but first he must work hard to sharpen his technique against the short ball.

The "dog-thrower" Graham Gooch uses to drill England batsmen has become a regular feature of the team's net sessions, and if Jonny Bairstow keeps his place for the next Test at Edgbaston, he will surely become very familiar with it.

When a player has scored only three Test centuries in 12 years of international cricket, he is entitled to enjoy his moment in the spotlight, and Marlon Samuels was not about to waste his.

There are few better feelings in cricket than scoring runs under pressure to help your team win a game. I managed it at Lord's and I'd like to be able to do the same in the second Test against West Indies, starting today at Trent Bridge, where I was involved in one of the most bizarre incidents to take place on a cricket field in recent times.

Cable & Wireless Communications, the British-based overseas phone group with operations ranging from Macau to Jamaica, is to halve its dividend next year to reflect tougher trading.

While little else favours West Indies in the second Test tomorrow, history is solidly in their camp. The tourists have never lost a first-class match at Trent Bridge.

Years ago, Somerset could call on the power of Viv Richards year after year

The fast bowler will need more than a sunny personality

England now have three bowlers in the world's top five. For once, this reflects exactly why they have also become the world's No 1 Test side.

West Indies paceman Shannon Gabriel has been ruled out of the remainder of the Investec Test series against England, with Tino Best recalled to the squad in his place.

Shivnarine Chanderpaul's batting technique is the antithesis of elegance. Shuffling across the crease to turn the ball into the leg side, his workmanlike style frustrates bowlers and spectators alike. Yet Test cricket will miss him when he is gone.

Shivnarine Chanderpaul's batting technique is the antithesis of elegance. Shuffling across the crease to turn the ball into the leg side, Chanderpaul's workmanlike style frustrates bowlers and spectators alike. Yet Test cricket will miss him when he is gone.