Hussain backs Aussie urn quest

Hussain practises ahead of the final Ashes Test

England captain Nasser Hussain believes Australia should be allowed to take home the Ashes urn as long as its safety can be guaranteed.

"My own personal opinion is that they've played such fine cricket over the last 20 years, yes, they should take it home," he said.

But Hussain, whose England team take on Australia in the final Test of the 2001 series on Thursday, added that the safekeeping of the urn was paramount.

"It is something very special and if it ever got lost or broken or damaged it would be a travesty.

"If someone can 100% guarantee its safety, then I think whoever wins it should take it because that's what we are playing for."

The Australians retained the Ashes with victory in the third Test at Trent Bridge.

The urn itself is thought to contain the remains of a bail used during Australia's first victory over England in 1882.

It is the property of the MCC, which insists that the vessel belongs in its museum at Lord's

'No big deal'

Australian captain Steve Waugh dismissed fears about the urn's safe-keeping.

"What's the big deal about taking the trophy home? It's not as though we are going to leave it at the airport or leave it on the seat of a plane."

Earlier reports suggested that Australia were planning to create their own Ashes by burning the bails after the final Test at the Oval.

However, that plan was dependent on the side completing a whitewash over England, which is no longer possible.