Hussain to quit after 2003 WC

Fresh after receiving an OBE (Order of the British Empire) in the British New Year honours list, England captain Nasser Hussain has indicated that he is likely to step down after the next World Cup.

In an interview published in Monday's Sun newspaper, the 33-year-old batsmen targets the 2003 event in South Africa as his last tournament as skipper.

"I took over from Alec Stewart after the last World Cup and it would complete a natural cycle," he said.

"I don't want to stay in the job too long...the World Cup would be a good time to step down and let someone else take over.

"But of course, I might get the axe before then if results go badly. I might not have the option of deciding when to resign," he added.

However, Hussain is certain that he remains focussed on the year ahead.

"This is a big 15 months coming up, ending with an Ashes tour of Australia and the World Cup.

"I intend doing everything this year, totally full-on, and then handing over to someone else," he said.

Hussain has been a strong captain for England after the side had endured a lean spell in the last decade.

The country won four successive series under his command and have become a far more committed, passionate and mentally stronger outfit since he took over as captain in 1999.

Mail Cricket Editor