LEEDS, England - Debutant Simon Katich was presented with a baggy green cap by former Australian captain Richie Benaud while rain delayed the start of the fourth Ashes Test at Headingley.

Katich, Australia's 384th Test cricketer, accepted the cap on an overcast, cold and wet morning, surrounded by his team-mates on the field of play.

"It is true there are things more important in life than cricket, many more things," Benaud told Katich.

"But in the context of Australian sport there is nothing more important than being presented with one of these.

"It is a privilege to be able to present it, it's the first time I've ever done it, so I'm nervous and you're nervous.

"Just two things.

"You are an outstanding cricketer, play well, but the most important thing is to enjoy it every time you put this on."

Shortly afterwards, Katich and a group of the Australian players were lined up having fielding practice.

They were all wearing the caps of a sponsor of the series except Katich, who was still wearing his prized possession.

Meanwhile, England captain Nasser Hussain, criticised for wearing a sponsor's hat for the toss before the First Test at Edgbaston, appeased his critics today.

Hussain strode to the middle in his England team blazer and Test cap - but lost the toss to Adam Gilchrist anyway.

© 2001 AAP