Dean Jones, ex-Australian batsman

The system of cricket in England is fine but the mentality of some of the players has to change. They hope it rains so they don't have to play. They get their 1,000 runs or 50 wickets to earn a new contract but it's not about playing first-class cricket, it is about representing your country. I've seen teams lose five wickets and then capitulate so they can beat the traffic. Most counties want games over in three days and that is why they produce poor pitches. In Australia we produce good pitches so bowlers have to learn line and length.

Graham Gooch, former England captain

The calls for Nasser Hussain's head are ridiculous. Sacking the captain will not bring about funda mental changes. The people saying that clearly know nothing about the game.

Neither Duncan Fletcher nor Nasser can create international players overnight. The Academy will help bridge the gap, but we also have to examine the feeder system.

Ashley Giles has done a sound job, but our spin bowling is non existent. We need a special spin academy. I'm sending the Essex guys to India for a month to work with Bishen Bedi. You have to try something.

Glenn McGrath, Australia's spearhead

It's a lot easier to criticise than to compliment and that's probably why people focus more on how poor every other country is rather than that Australia are playing some exceptional cricket, possibly some of the best ever, and that's why we are dominating.

Pat Murphy, BBC sports broadcaster

The first thing people should accept is that it's not cyclical. We've been losing to Australia since time immemorial. Even the 1958-59 side went down 4-0 - and they were dubbed the best team that had ever left these shores. We have to accept that county cricket is a loss leader in terms of England, but is worth preserving for all that. We have to keep faith with Fletcher, who England players rave about, and stop telling ourselves how good the Australians are.

The appointment of a chief medical officer must be England's best decision for five years. If we'd had Gough, Thorpe and Flintoff firing, we'd have been competitive.

David Ligertwood, agent and ex-county cricketer

County cricket is the root of the problems. There are far too many matches. It becomes survival cricket, with players desperate to ward off mental and physical fatigue. There is no time for preparation or for improving technique. No time to become excited about a game. You just keep churning it out.

Eighteen teams is too many. And two divisions will only work with one-up, one-down and an open transfer system.

Bill Midgley, Durham chairman

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