Nasser Hussain took his first step on the trail to competitive cricket action when he turned out for the Essex second XI against Nottinghamshire at Halstead.

In front of a 300-strong crowd at Star Stile yesterday (Wednesday), the England captain led his county's side.

He won the toss, but was then forced to spend most of the day in the field watching his opponents bat.

The visitors were eventually dismissed for 264, leaving him to face 14 overs when he opened the Essex innings.

He successfully survived an hour at the crease, getting off the mark with a pull for four before adding two further boundaries to end the day unbeaten on 24.

Hussain has been out of action since breaking the little finger of his left hand during the opening Test match of the Ashes series at Edgbaston four weeks ago.

But the Essex club captain is eager to return to the international scene to help overcome the current England slump of form which sees them trail Australia 3-0 in the series.

The 32-year-old was pleased to be back and said: "After a month lay-off I needed some meaningful fielding practice.

"Batting has not been a problem and I have been able to cope very well in the nets but, of course, that does not compare with the experience of playing out in the middle.

"Overall, the day went well and I had no problems fielding and felt in good nick when I went out to bat."

Hussain stood at mid-off with his damaged finger protectively strapped, although that did not stop him showing his trademark quality fielding on a number of occasions.

Essex resumed on 46 for one today, with Stephen Peters six not out.

Hussain will want to take maximum opportunity to use up time in the middle and if he comes through successfully, he expects to play on Sunday in Essex's Norwich Union League match with Worcestershire.

He will then assess the chances of a return in time for the fourth Test match next week.

Under wraps - Nasser guards his injured finger while in action at Halstead.

Picture: SEANA HUGHES

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