Alec stewart autobiography of malcolm

Back in the summer of 1994, two years after South Africa's readmission to the international fold, they visited England. It was the two countries' first Test encounter in 29 years.

Fanie de Villiers, South Africa opening bowler: Most of us were 28 to 33 - seasoned cricketers - and were pretty battle-hardened after six Tests against Australia, which we drew 1-1 home and away.

Brian McMillan, South Africa allrounder: There was a lot of hype for the series back in South Africa. Starting at Lord's: a famous venue, a big game, a good result, and me and Pat Symcox on the balcony with a beer and a cigar.

South Africa's 356-run victory was overshadowed in the English media by the so-called "dirt in the pocket affair", with England captain Mike Atherton caught in flagrante by TV cameras.

Graham Thorpe, England batsman: Athers' horticultural work: not his finest hour!

"Now Craig Matthew

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Ashes Chronicles - Part 14: A tour too far for Gooch and Gatting as Atherton blames system failure for Warne-out England in 1994/95

HUW TURBERVILL: If the 1990/91 tour had seen a clash between Graham Gooch and David Gower, the campaign four years later was also not harmonious

"It is the toughest tour. It is a pretty harsh environment. You must be at the top of your game at all times. Any sign of weakness and Shane Warne – and the Australian team as a whole – would crush you."

John Crawley and his England team-mates watched on, powerless, as Warne destroyed England in the second innings of the second Test of the 1994/95 Ashes at Melbourne. Chasing an unlikely 388 to level the series, England had limped to 91 for 6. It was 11.44am on day five, and the leg-spinner stepped up to deliver his 13th over. Six close-in fielders crouched expectantly.  

Phil DeFreitas survived the first three balls but could not lay a bat on the fourth. It was a leg-break, and although it

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'My autobiography won't be boring, because I'm not boring'

Mullally against New Zealand at Lord's in 1999 © PA Photos

Why did I leave Australia to play cricket in England, in 1990? Simple. Because I'm English.

I became good mates with Brian Lara because inom was the first person to hit him on the head - in an Under-19 Test Match, playing for Australia.

In Australia, Test cricket has always come before first-class cricket, but when I first came over, in England, it was all about county cricket and the England team second.

I didn't take myself seriously with the bat. Of course I was shit. But I loved it. I hooked Wasim Akram for a six once.

The strategi was always to play for England. Some politics kept me out of the side for a while.

I made my first-class debut for Western Australia in the 1987-88 Sheffield Shield final. I wasn't even in the state squad, but Bruce Reid and Peter Capes got injured and the back-up bowlers weren't thought to be good enough