England captain Nasser Hussain has announced that he is hoping to play in a second XI match for Essex against Nottinghamshire on Wednesday, August 8. Hussain, who has been sidelined since breaking his thumb in the first Test, is keen to return to lead England in the fourth Test which starts on August 16 but he has limited opportunities between now and then to prove his fitness. In the next fortnight Essex only have one match, a one-day National League meeting with Worcestershire on August 12.

His appearance for Essex seconds depends on him coming through several net sessions in the coming few days.

One of England's other long-term injury worries, Michael Vaughan, was due to play his first game in six weeks when taking part in a Yorkshire league match on Saturday.

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