Essex and England star Nasser Hussain has been backed to remain national captain beyond next year's World Cup.

England and Wales Cricket Board chief Lord MacLaurin wants Hussain and current coach Duncan Fletcher to secure their long-term futures with the test side.

He was delighted with their work on England's winter tours to India and New Zealand and is keen for them to extend their tenures in their respective positions beyond 2003.

But he blasted some members of the touring squad for failing to maintain their fitness over the winter.

"I would very much like Duncan and Nasser to stay," MacLaurin said. "I'm always talking to Duncan Fletcher on a very regular basis and he's done a very good job in his management of the England side.

"However, the sad thing I'll take from these tours is that when the players turned up to tour New Zealand some of them weren't fit and that is not acceptable for international cricketers."

MacLaurin also maintained that the county system is "sacrosanct" - but will push for changes to bring in a younger audience.

That could mean 20-over matches at the County Ground if the idea gains support when the counties meet on Thursday.

But there is no chance of seeing the traditional shires replaced by city teams in a rebranding exercise proposed by Wisden editor Graeme Wright.

More on Essex County Cricket Club

Published Tuesday, April 9, 2002