Alastair Cook

In the end, playing for England means very little if you don't see the rest of the world around you. It is why I hate prima donnas and arrogance. ”

I am hugely honoured and proud to be receiving a knighthood. ”

I think it's very hard to shake what people first think of you straightaway. ”

It's quite nice to switch off and not see anything to do with cricket. ”

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. ”