You are not going to win many games if you start behind.

It's tough to take, losing the Ashes. It's bitterly disappointing.

I have been given a fantastic opportunity to captain the Test side and will continue to work very hard at doing my best at that.

In the past, I found myself on occasions not playing the game at the speed that suits me. I need to make sure I'm in control of what is going on out there as much as I can.

Every player wants to see the game grow and flourish so it would be great to be able to help do that by achieving something very special.

I can remember that 2005 Ashes as a kid and being really absorbed in that whole series at 14 years old. It was magical.

I think I can be quite cheeky at times.

I was pretty much a goody-two shoes at school - a bit boring, didn't get in trouble with teachers - it was classical Yorkshire: a lot of respect to your elders. Once I started playing cricket that sort of slipped away.

I wouldn't say I give the hairdryer treatment but when we've not performed well you have to make people aware.

Sometimes people say things on the field that they might regret, but they should stay on the field.

There is nothing wrong with being gay.

The dressing-room environment is very difficult to replicate, camaraderie is very important.

Michael Vaughan gave me his old thigh pad when he retired. It was in my kitbag for a long time.

I have a short, home-made armguard because I don't like the regular ones. I'd wear that on a lively pitch. I don't use a chest guard because I find it too restrictive.

My first bat was a Duncan Fearnley 405, size two. I was aged about four. I loved that bat, such great memories. I gave it to a family member and never saw it again.

I'm known as tidy, I like to keep my stuff in order.

I just love playing for England, whether it's opening or middle order.

The great thing about T20 is that it only takes one performance. One piece of individual brilliance can win a game and that can change the whole way you approach a tournament.

I just need to find the best version of myself. Find improvements to what I've already got, rather than trying to remodel my game.

I know how important it is that test cricket is my main focus.

I'd love to go and visit Pakistan. It would be a great opportunity to go and play there personally. Unfortunately, it's not my decision to make, but it looks a wonderful country to go and play cricket in.

After a test match it's very easy to make selections, once you've seen exactly how the surface is going to play.

It's not about how many games we win with me as captain, it's about us being consistently getting better over a long period of time and looking to be that number one side in the world.

I love playing five days of cricket; personally, I think it's the best format.