1.   As the Yankees sought redemption for a depressing five-game division series defeat to the Mariners last year, they were guided by their strength up the middle.

2.   A series defeat or a draw will promote South Africa as the new leaders.

3.   The series defeat cost Sri Lanka a position in the world test championship.

4.   Atherton has experienced Test series defeats in West Indies and Australia since taking over as captain from Graham Gooch two-and-a-half years ago.

5.   England captain Mike Atherton admits the absence of an outstanding all-rounder was the difference between his team and South Africa after a fourth consecutive overseas series defeat.

6.   Their early tour form had suggested a team in decline following the historic home Test series defeat by Australia.

7.   They need to improve markedly if they are to avoid a humiliating series defeat against a confident New Zealand side.

8.   The West Indies are suddenly under the microscope following their Test series defeat by Australia.

9.   West Indies rebounded from their home series defeat by Australia to beat England by nine wickets in the first Test at Headingley on Sunday.

10.   Richardson knows an England win at The Oval will mean a second consecutive series defeat for the West Indies and would almost certainly spell the end of his captaincy.