Stewart urges Hussain

Nasser Hussain was today urged not to walk away from England by the man who made a Test debut with him more than 14 years ago.

Hussain has hinted strongly at an imminent retirement from international cricket. But Alec Stewart, another ex-Test skipper who retired last summer, does not want to see his 36-year-old former teammate quit before his time.

"This has really surprised me," said Stewart after hearing Hussain talk of ending his career on 96 caps. "I hope he carries on and I would be amazed if anyone he spoke to told him to call it a day now."

Stewart and Hussain made their Test debuts in the same match, against the West Indies in Jamaica in 1990.

"Nasser is a born fighter and he showed that again at Lord's," Stewart added.

"It may have been at the back of his mind that if he was successful in this match he could go out on a high and be remembered for a fantastic innings.

"But I would be surprised if in 48 hours he decides to retire."