I first got into cricket by watching Test matches on TV and listening to overseas tours on the radio. The sport really grabbed me - and it didn't matter that England weren't hugely successful back then.

I've played in Test matches before after injury without first playing a county game or warm-up of some sort.

I've spent most of my life watching fast bowlers - initially as a kid on TV and later in the flesh when I started playing top-level cricket.

You so often see bowlers pick out a lovely new ball from the bag at nets and it looks great when it swings in the air and nips off the seam with batsmen playing and missing. But you have to simulate match situations. What about when the ball is 60 overs old, the sun is blazing down, the pitch is flat and there's not a hint of movement?

I'll tell you something about Glenn McGrath - he was a much better bowler than me. This is not false modesty.

The Oval 2018 was one of the most extraordinary Tests I've been involved with.

The first time Stuart Broad walked into the dressing room, with his flowing blond hair, striking blue eyes and perfect figure, I thought: 'My God, she's beautiful.'

It is easy for people to say 'Go and express yourselves' but you need the players, talent, confidence and environment to do it.

Ben Stokes, for example, is someone who plays better when he is a bit aggressive - and that's something you don't want to take away from him.

I'm a very competitive person and maybe I'd taken things a bit too far at times.

I'm proud to have represented England in four World Cups but it was hugely frustrating that we never reached a semi-final or played to our ability.

Having two bowlers who can exceed 90 mph is a mouth-watering prospect - and something batsmen will not relish one bit.

A lot of teams see Lord's as a special place and up their games to try to get their names on the honours' board.

Even at the age of 36, I'm always looking at ways to improve.

At that speed, batsmen are almost trying to premeditate where the ball will be - they feel like they don't have time to react or move. That's the difference between bowling in the mid-80s and the mid-90s.

Trent Bridge, 2013, is my favourite Test. An Ashes opener and England won a thriller by 14 runs. I managed to take ten wickets, which helps.

I didn't watch a Test match live until I played in my first in 2003.

Cricket often leaves you scratching your head.

If you can dismiss the best in the world, it means you're doing something right and have the quality needed to perform at the highest level.

It's great when you can challenge yourself against the top players in tense situations. I've always enjoyed it.

Kohli is always fired up, very animated on the field and plays with passion.

Andrew Strauss captained me through my purple patch.

Alastair Cook is one of my best pals.

Nasser Hussain was skipper when I first played for England and a massive influence. He showed me a lot of faith.