Nasser Hussain feels he is ready to resume the England captaincy after coming through a second XI innings for Essex today.

Hussain has been out since breaking the little finger of his left hand in the First Test against Australia at Edgbaston at the start of July.

But in today's game against Nottinghamshire seconds at Halstead he resumed on 24 and went on to make 51 not out before rain intervened.

Hussain said afterwards: "I've had plenty of batting practice in the nets and I'm feeling in good nick.

"Hopefully if all goes to plan, I will be fit to resume the England captaincy next week."

Hussain was pleased with his knock, saying: "That innings has been of great benefit because it now means that I've had nearly two and a half hours of meaningful practice under match conditions.

"The Notts boys bowled well and gave me a good and thorough examination.

"I don't have any problems with the finger - it seems fine. It is a little swollen which is what I expected, but I've been told to keep icing it which will alleviate the situation.

"I have taken the precaution of batting with some protection on the outside of my batting glove, but overall there has been no adverse reaction at all."

The squad for the Fourth Test at Headingley starting next Thursday will be announced on Sunday.

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