The Year in Review

2014 was overshadowed for me by the death of Philip Hughes. It was a shocking year to be a cricketer, and especially an English one at that. The form of our national team mirrored that of our captain, and despite a few bright lights such as the emergence of Moeen Ali, or that amazing hundred by Alex Hales in yet another dismal tournament, the year was about as much fun as sitting next to Grandad on Christmas afternoon after he had been at the sprouts. Here, let's look at ten things that encapsulated 2014 for me.

Mo...a great year

Happy Christmas

On behalf of everyone who has written for us this year, may we wish you all a very Merry Christmas whether you a friend, enemy or even Jonathan Agnew. May you have a lovely, peaceful time and may your glass be full. 2014 was a cracking year for the Stump with our twitter following at nearly 10,000. 2015 promises to be a good 'un too with the book Characters of Cricket out in just over two months time.

May you and your loved ones have a great seasonal holiday...

The Down Turn

Paul Downton's comments this week unequivocally backing Alastair Cook were eye opening to many English cricket fans. It seems that when Paul opens his mouth these days all that comes out seems to be a huge faux pas and we are turning into the butt of jokes worldwide. The Aussies, Indians and every other country seem to find the state of English cricket hilarious, and for me, I don't like it. With the season to be jolly upon us, most of us just feel downright miserable at England's one day form and I personally feel it is time for change. Do we change Cook, Moores or Downturn? Or all three?

Down turn in England's fortunes?

Bogan Aussie Commentates Cricket NSFW

This is not ideal if you are listening in front of your boss but it amused us greatly. Credit goes to Aussie comedian Alex Williamson aka The Loosest Aussie Bloke Ever. We don't condone some of what goes on, but we do hope it gives you a chuckle.

Captain Cook?

|Tom Huelin is back and looks at the under pressure England skipper...

ECB, Please don't blindly back our failing skipper.England are a rudderless ship and unless Captain Cook walks the plank – or is thrown overboard – they are drifting towards a big storm at next year’s World Cup.

Cook....under pressure

Michael Clarke's Phillip Hughes eulogy

Pup

Michael Clarke has been inspirational in the last week. In a week that has been truly horrendous for cricket fans worldwide, he has shone like a beacon of light and has gone from being merely a cricket captain to being an inspirational leader. As a friend of mine said, he didn't hide behind a Press Officer or a Communications bod, he came right out there and said it. And for that, he deserves credit.

A true leader