Trescothick could lead England

Somerset opener Marcus Trescothick could lead England for the first time in the fourth one-day international against Zimbabwe on Wednesday.

Captain Nasser Hussain is struggling with a calf strain, which he picked up during England's four-wicket victory in the third match in Harare on Sunday. England lead the series 3-0.

"Nasser seems confident that he is over his injury," coach Duncan Fletcher told a news conference on Tuesday.

"It's one of those injuries that you think is all right but is pretty dangerous. We will have to be very sure tonight that we make the right decision."

England will have a light practice in the afternoon before deciding on their team on Tuesday night.

"Marcus might lead the side, but it's a situation that is forced upon us rather than by choice," Fletcher said. "Ideally what you want are players out there with a lot of experience to lead the side.

"Graham Thorpe does want to do it, but it's just something that's forced on us because Thorpe's not an experienced captain either and you look at the situation and say, 'maybe it's time to give Trescothick a run'.

"Having been on tours with Tres you get a feel about individuals and he shows good leadership qualities, but you're never sure until the pressure is on.

"He has a good cricket brain and good man management skills."

Fletcher said England could blood a few new players in the remaining two matches.

"We will be considering some experimentation," he said. "We had a meeting just to throw it around and just confirm what we want to do tonight at some stage.

"It has been an interesting tour and we still want to see a bit more of certain players. It has definitely been a worthwhile tour so far."

Mail Cricket Editor