Hussain states his intent

By Jonathan Agnew BBC cricket correspondent

Nasser Hussain, who resigned in high emotion as England's captain barely a fortnight ago, chose a beautiful afternoon at Trent Bridge to settle any doubts about his international career.

The crisis had been entirely of his own making.

Nobody had any idea that he was to throw in the towel only one match into the series, and his timing might have been more considerate.

However, this typically gritty innings demonstrated beyond doubt that his hunger remains, and he now looks a certainty to tour with England this winter.

He, more than anyone, needed answers to these crucial questions.

Trent Bridge has not favoured the batsmen this summer and therefore it was crucial that England post a commanding first-innings total.

The crowd at Trent Bridge recognised the scale of Hussain's achievement by affording him one of the longest standing ovations in Test history.

Time and again, he raised his bat - having first punched the air with a clenched fist- and it was clear that he revelled in his very special moment.

It was 29-2 when Hussain joined Mark Butcher, and South Africa seemed to be well on top.

Michael Vaughan had edged Pollock to slip for a single and, on 24, Trescothick was caught behind off Hall.

Butcher might have been trapped lbw early on, but survived that close call to register a remarkable century, 84 of which came in fours.

He and Hussain added 189, during which South Africa's bowling and fielding became increasingly ragged.

Hussain needed to silence the doubters

The two seasoned campaigners capitalised on this. They were no doubt aware that Trent Bridge has not favoured the batsmen this summer and, therefore, it was crucial that England post a commanding first-innings total.

When Butcher perished, edging Ntini to Boucher for 106, Ed Smith strode out to the middle and he was clearly oozing confidence from every pore.

He played a gorgeous back-foot drive through the covers to get himself going, and looked thoroughly at ease - quite a contrast to his Kent team-mate, Robert Key, who always appeared rather nervous.

The pair added 78 for the fourth wicket, and try as hard as they could, South Africa could not force a breakthrough with the second new ball.

With some deliveries already keeping rather low, and a network of cracks widening by the hour, the pitch might very well not last the full five days.

England will be looking to reach at least 500 in order to put South Africa under pressure later in the game.