Hussain Announces Retirement From Professional Cricket – 27/05/2004 England and Essex cricketer Nasser Hussain today announced his retirement from professional cricket. The former England captain helped his country to victory against New Zealand in the first Test at Lord’s this week with a superb unbeaten century. Hussain, a top order batsman, made his England debut in 1989/90 in the West Indies and has gone on to represent his country 96 times at Test level, 45 of which as captain. With 5764 runs to his name at an average of 37, Hussain has had a massive impact on the England side both as a player and as captain. Former England teammate and Vice President of the PCA, Alec Stewart said, ” I made my debut with Nasser, and I know he has fully enjoyed his England career. It’s a difficult decision to make, to retire but still be at the top of your game. Nasser has just had a remarkable past Test match, fielding brilliantly and scoring a superb hundred in the second innings, and then hitting the winning runs. He has left England in a position of strength, and I respect his decision.” David Graveney, England Chairman of Selectors said, ” Nasser has had an outstanding career, making the very best out of his ability. He then raised the bar when he took over as captain, guiding England to some excellent victories, such as in Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Throughout his career he has been a very emotional, passionate cricketer, and has brought that passion to the England cricket team. Since Michael Vaughan took over the captaincy Nasser has continued to make vital contributions with the bat, none more so than in the West Indies and here in the first Test match versus New Zealand.” Richard Bevan, Group Chief Executive of the PCA said, ” Nasser is the ultimate professional both on and off the field. His strong leadership qualities drove England forward, and he commands the deepest respect both on the field from his peers and from the commercial sector in cricket. His strong views on what is good for the game are typified by his retirement, where after scoring a hundred, he moves aside to allow younger players to take up the challenge of international cricket.”
