Stewart to replace 'thumb-struck' Hussain

Alec Stewart looks set to stand in for the injured Nasser Hussain as the England selectors mulled over their captaincy dilemma.

Hussain was ruled out of the rest of the two-test series after breaking his thumb while batting during England's victory at Lord's over the weekend.

Former captain Stewart took over as the home team won by an innings and nine runs and is favourite to continue in the role for the second test at Old Trafford starting at the end of the month.

The England selectors may give a hint about their thinking later on Monday when they name a captain for next month's one-day tournament against Pakistan and Australia which precedes the Ashes series.

With Hussain out for around a month, the 38-year-old Stewart and Graham Thorpe, 31, are the leading contenders.

Thorpe, who has limited captaincy experience, assumed the role for the one-day series against Sri Lanka in March when Hussain was sidelined with a groin injury. England lost 3-0.

Stewart had been reluctant to take the job then, feeling he would be overburdened as captain, wicketkeeper and opening batsman in the humid conditions.

Stewart was named England captain in 1998 after succeeding Michael Atherton. Accused of lacking flair as a leader, he was sacked after the 1999 World Cup, making way for Hussain.

He also acted as stand-in skipper last season, leading England to victory over West Indies at Lord's when Hussain was injured yet again.

Mail Cricket Editor