But after seven consecutive thrashings, Hussain's first target is for his team to be in the hunt come the crunch matches in Melbourne and Sydney (the Fifth Test).
"I'm really enjoying the job," he reconfirmed today. "We've played some decent cricket over the last few years and the only really dreadful Test series we've had is against Australia.
"Unfortunately they are the side we most wanted to impress but they probably left here last summer saying it was the same old England (after retaining the Ashes 4-1).
"We have another chance to put things right this winter. I'm enjoying working with the coach and it's good to see the younger players coming in and doing well. But the acid test is this winter.
"I want to be able to contribute to the side and for the side to be better for having me in it."
Hussain and Co were frustratedspectators for several hours at The Oval today with nothing to watch but the rain coming down. England's captain knows, however, that proper rest periods are vital.
"I think we are probably pushing the limit of how much you can play in a year when you are expected to be at your peak," said Hussain, who added that he has discussed schedules with the International Cricket Council.
"The players who play both forms of cricket really need to be looked after. We are not complaining because it's a great lifestyle but it has to be quality, not quantity.
"Quite a few of our lads are young and people like Marcus Trescothick and Michael Vaughan are loving every minute of it.
"They just want to play and that's when it takes a good coach to look over their shoulder and keep an eye on them.
"It's important they realise how much cricket they have ahead of them."
An improvement in the weather offered hope of a reduced-overs contest this afternoon.
Although there was nothing on the result, with both teams already through to Saturday's final at Lord's at Sri Lanka's expense, the match was a sellout and a complete abandonment could cost around £500,000 in terms of ticket refunds and unsold merchandise.
