Nasser Hussain admitted to feeling "immensely proud" at the confirmation of the news we predicted four days ago - he's the new England cricket captain.

This Is Essex even got it right in naming the day the Essex skipper would be named to lead the country into the forthcoming Test series with World Cup semi-finalists New Zealand, which starts on Thursday.

Also, as we suggested, Zimbabwe's Duncan Fletcher will be the new England coach in succession to David Lloyd.

However, chairman of selectors David Graveney will be in charge of coaching during the summer while Fletcher finishes his commitments with current club Glamorgan.

This Is Essex columnist Hussain could scarcely hide his delight on hearing the news: "This is a huge honour - the biggest in the game. I am delighted and immensely proud to accept the selectors' decision.

"It's now time for us to look forward rather than reflect on what has gone before. We need to focus all our efforts on achieving a consistently winning side. Now is the time for us all to try and end the inconsistencies of the past."

Those inconsistencies are what have ultimately cost Hussain's predecessor Alec Stewart the number one job, culminating in the failure to get through the opening stage of this summer's World Cup.

In stark contrast Hussain's personal stock has rarely been higher. A big hit in last winter's Ashes series, he was originally left out of the one-day World Cup squad.

He was called in when Mike Atherton's back injury forced him out and stepped into the side as opener when Nick Knight hit poor form.

Hussain, 31, enjoyed a good World Cup in a compatively new batting position and has confirmed in his brief spell as Essex captain that he possesses an astute cricket brain and is a great motivator. Apart from his prowess with the bat he's also a brilliant fielder.

Graveney has no doubt England have gone for the right man and said: "The decision has not been rushed and by taking our time we are satisfied we have made the right one.

"That decision is to turn to Nasser. We feel he is the right candidate and right man to lead us into the future. He has served a long apprenticeship as vice-captain and has shown a huge passion for what is a massive job."

Stewart, who is expected to continue as an England player - probably opening the batting - has pledged his support for his successor.

Pace bowler Angus Fraser said: "Nasser is a good communicator and a passionate bloke who's popular with players."

Providing things go well against New Zealand, the Essex man looks certain to lead England in this winter's tour to South Africa and Zimbabwe.

Hussain said: "This honour is something I want to share with Essex fans. If it wasn't for Essex I wouldn't be playing cricket for England, let alone captaining my country."

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.