Nasser Hussain admits to having had a baptism of fire in his First game as England cricket captain.

After leading his country to a seven-wicket win over New Zealand in the First Test at Edgbaston, Essex skipper Hussain admitted: "I thought it might take six months to learn all the tricks of the trade - instead I seem to have experienced everything in three days!"

A memorable affair which started with New Zealand being bowled out for 226 and England struggling at 40-7 in reply before finally making 126, ultimately ended in a rather apt manner with night-watchman and bowler Alex Tudor taking over the unlikely role of star batsman.

He made 99 not out after England, having bowled the Kiwis out for 107 in their second innings, hit 211-3 to win.

Hussain himself played a full part with a quickfire 44, but it was the manner of his captaincy which won admiration throughout the game.

l See Nasser's notebook on Wednesday for full reaction to the Test success and preview of next week's Essex visit to Southchurch Park for Southend Cricket Week.

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