England may test the world supplies of cotton wool in which to wrap their key players before the Ashes. While their desire to win the Champions Trophy should not be underestimated they are anxiously aware of their tasks later in the summer.

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Brendon McCullum plays a reverse sweep during the second Test in Wellington earlier this year

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<b>Kevin Pietersen - 4</b><br/>
Never seemed ready for this series and his 73 in the second Test was untypically laboured. Perhaps it was the knee which forced him to leave the tour, perhaps something more deeply-seated.

Ashes 2013: Fears over fitness of Kevin Pietersen heighten

The batsman will miss the Champions Trophy

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Mike Denness: Cricketer who famously dropped himself from the team as captain of England

After he had sanctioned six Indian players in 2001, his effigy was burned in the streets

Kevin Pietersen needs at least two first-class games before the Ashes

Kevin Pietersen may 'consider his future' after the Ashes suggests Andrew Flintoff

The England batsman is currently struggling with injury

New Zealand legalises gay marriage - becoming
the first country in the Asia-Pacific region to do so

Hundreds of jubilant gay-rights advocates celebrated at New Zealand’s Parliament as the country became the 13th in the world – and the first in the Asia-Pacific region – to legalise same-sex marriage.

Kevin Pietersen needs at least two first-class games before the Ashes

Kevin Pietersen misses New Zealand Tests to be ready for Ashes battle

England take no fitness chances with batsman whose bruised knee is worse than first thought

England's Nick Compton (left) celebrates reaching his century

Nick Compton named among Wisden cricketers of the year

England batsman follows grandfather in earning accolade

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