In the first of two articles this week looking at key figures in this Ashes series, MM investigate the importance of the England captain Joe Root and his Australian counterpart Steve Smith.

Australian Ashes series always leave cricket-lovers with difficult decisions to make about when to sleep and when to watch.

Jonny Bairstow produced a delightful display of batting to give England a 7-wicket victory over the West Indies in the first one day international at Old Trafford.

They have constantly been in competition when it comes to taking the England wicket-keeping gloves, but Jonny Bairstow is convinced he and Lancashire’s Jos Buttler are not in a battle to stand behind the stumps.

Lancastrian fast bowler Jimmy Anderson became only the third fast bowler to claim 500 test wickets as he broke records on day two of England’s third test match v West Indies.

In Alastair Cook, Haseeb Hameed has one of the best mentors possible according to Jason Gallian, and the former England opener is urging the talented youngster to take in everything he can.

Former international Lydia Greenway believes Heather Knight’s ability to stamp her authority on the team laid the foundations for England’s ICC Women’s World Cup success.

A Sale cricket coach was left in disbelief after being awarded tickets to the semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy as recognition for his devotion to a local cricket club.

Former England captain Charlotte Edwards insists Heather Knight’s injury will do little to stall preparations for the upcoming ICC Women’s World Cup, insisting her successor is the right person to lead the side all the way to the title this summer.

‘Freakish’ is the only word Steven Finn could use to describe England batsman Jos Buttler, and the fast bowler thanks his lucky stars daily that facing the Lancashire man is a problem he is rarely fronted with.

Heyside Cricket Club secretary Paul Matthews has identified junior players as the club’s future and hopes to attract more to the game at their ECB Open Day.