Alastair Cook

When I'm away from cricket I switch off totally. Otherwise I would never be able to keep that same hunger.

There's nothing worse than going out without contributing.

Being a dad is best thing you can do, it's very exciting.

I miss being the focal point of the team - the guy everyone looks to for decisions. And guidance.

Just because you're made England captain, it doesn't mean that you suddenly know everything about captaincy.

Many people have helped me during my career and without them and fantastic team-mates and coaches it would not have been possible to achieve all that I have.

I love cricket but I like being away from it as well.

I love the individual sport stuff but the experiences I've had with some great people over 12 or 15 years are what makes is special. That individual thing: me versus the bowler is great but you get that team feeling as well and that's why it suits me so well.

I'm a country boy at heart. I love it when you've got your boots on and you're standing in three inches of cow muck.

The battle between bat and ball is a one-on-one thing. I love that stuff, but you play it in a team.

The captaincy thing is brilliant, and I love it. But I didn't start off playing cricket to captain England. I wanted to score runs and stuff.

It's surreal to think that no one has played as many Test matches for England. I suppose it's a credit to my longevity.