Stepping down from England's one-day captaincy is something of a step back in time for Nasser Hussain, who is back at Essex after a well-earned rest.

"It's going to be a bit like doing what I was doing a few years back: playing for Essex and a few Tests along the way," he said.

"Stepping down from the One Day International captaincy will ease the burden a little bit and I'm really looking forward to the season.

"I've been back at the club for a couple of weeks and netting for the past ten days or so -- everything is going to plan and I must admit having some time away from the game has been excellent."

Shattered after England's gruelling and ultimately disappointing Ashes tour and World Cup campaign, Hussain gave Essex's pre-season tour of South Africa a miss and has yet to strap on his pads for the county.

The club skipper will not be available for selection for the opening two County Championship matches, but he has now recharged his batteries and is relishing the prospect of a summer with fewer things on his mind.

"I enjoyed the actual cricket throughout the winter and would not swap anything, including the Ashes tour," he said.

"But there was a lot of stuff going on off the field over the past year and I was left feeling a bit jaded mentally.

"That's out of my system now, though, and I'm looking forward to starting the season with Essex."

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Published Thursday, April 17, 2003

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