The Ashes 2013: Five battles within the battle

1. Alastair Cook vs. Michael Clarke

Whatever the little soldiers on the field do, history decorates the military generals who command the battle. Alastair Cook and Michael Clarke are two outstanding batsmen who will not only lead their sides but also bear the heavy burden of being the architects of their respective batting units.

They play a similar role in the side as their job is to play a long innings that can set-up a victory for their teams. Cook has greater resources at his command whereas Clarke faces a massive challenge as he tries to join the ranks of his glorious predecessors.