Ton-up hero Nasser Hussain must go on playing Test cricket for England!

That was today's verdict from the former England captain's international colleague and fellow Essex star Ronnie Irani.

Nasser Hussain in action for Essex

"You're a long time retired in this game, so there's no way Nasser should even be thinking about quitting the Test scene," stressed Irani.

He added: "I know Nas has an issue with retiring at the top, but he's always had an ambition to play 100 Test matches and he's still good enough to realise that goal.

"He's only got four to go and that's what I think he should go on to achieve."

Hussain, the 36-year-old top-order batsman, has been at the centre of a storm of media speculation sparked off by former England legend Ian Botham to step aside and make way for a younger player to take his place on the Test arena.

But the Essex favourite answered his critics in super style when blasting a match-winning, undefeated century (103) to see England to a seven-wicket victory over New Zealand at Lord's on Monday.

More on Essex County Cricket Club

Published Wednesday May 26, 2004

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