After Hussain announced that his match-winning century at Lord’s against New Zealand was his farewell to the game at all levels, Vaughan spoke of his privilege at sharing a dressing room with the Essex batsman both as player and captain. “Nasser’s focus and preparation and the passion he showed in wearing an England shirt are qualities that I really admire,” said Vaughan. “I know I speak for every England player in wishing him all the best for the future”. England coach Duncan Fletcher said he was fully aware of how much Nasser cared about English cricket and he hoped people realised that his decision was based on doing what was best for the team as a whole rather than himself. “Nasser’s desire and will to win are an object lesson to any cricketer out there who aspires to play for England and I know that we will all miss him in the changing room,” said Fletcher. Hussain’s decision has at least solved one problem for the England selectors prior to the Second Test against the Kiwis at Headingley. The available place will go to Middlesex opener Andrew Strauss, who made a sensational debut in Test cricket as stand-in for Vaughan. Although many experts believe Vaughan will drop down the order to four, there is a possibility that Strauss will be asked to come in at three with Mark Butcher moving one place back.
Written by Marcus Trescothick |