England profiles

NASSER HUSSAIN
Right-hand batsman

FACTFILE DOB: 28.3.1968 Team: Essex Test debut: v West Indies, Jamaica 1990 ODI debut: v Pakistan, Nagpur 1989

Hussain dropped a bombshell by resigning as captain one Test into England's 2003 series against South Africa.

But, after much speculation over his future, he settled into the role of reliable senior pro and showed he still has something to offer the middle-order with a useful series in the Caribbean.

Those used to an intense skipper scowling at mid-off found a more relaxed figure, and Hussain found more runs after admitting being mentally drained by the captaincy.

Calls for new blood will be resisted while Hussain's current good form continues, but figures like Andy Strauss and Paul Collingwood wait readily in the wings.

Hussain's experience against the Kiwis dates back to 1997, and in nine Tests against them he boasts the solid average of 40.