Hussain gives up Essex captaincy

Hussain: May captain in the B&H Cup

England skipper Nasser Hussain has handed his Essex captaincy to Ronnie Irani so that he can make more time for the national side.

The move is designed to lessen conflict between Hussain's England and county commitments.

Irani: Vice captain last season

But he may still lead Essex in the Benson and Hedges Cup, for which he is completely available.

Chairman David Acfield said: "This recognises the limited availability of Nasser because of his England commitments.

"He is, however, an important influence in the club's playing affairs, which we do not want to lose.

"It is possible that he will captain the side on the field of play in the competitions for which he is completely available, such as the Benson and Hedges Cup."

Irani, a former England team-mate of Hussain's, was vice captain last season and captained Essex in more than half their County Championship matches.