Hussain fit for fourth Test

Nasser Hussain said on Thursday he would be fit to captain England in the fourth Test against Australia at Headingley next week after scoring an unbeaten half century in his comeback for the Essex second XI.

Hussain, who resumed his innings on 24 in the morning, hit 51 not out against Nottinghamshire before rain stopped play in his first competitive innings since breaking a finger in the first Ashes Test at Edgbaston in early July.

England lost that Test and the next two as Australia took an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-Test series.

"That innings has been of great benefit because it now means that I've had nearly two-and-a-half hours of meaningful practise under match conditions," he told BBC Online.

"The Notts boys bowled well and gave me a good and thorough examination.

"I've had plenty of batting practise in the nets and I'm feeling in good nick.

"Hopefully if all goes to plan, I will be fit to resume the England captaincy next week.

"I don't have any problems with the finger -- it seems fine. It is a little swollen which is what I expected, but I've been told to keep icing it which will alleviate the situation," he said.

"I have taken the precaution of batting with some protection on the outside of my batting glove, but overall there has been no adverse reaction at all."

Mike Atherton took over the captaincy in the absence of Hussain but could do nothing to prevent the Australians charging to their seventh successive Ashes series victory.

The fourth Test begins at Headingley in Leeds next Thursday with the fifth at The Oval in London starting on August 23.

Mail Cricket Editor