Hussain praises selection, contracts system for success

England face West Indies in one of their most important Tests of a successful summer with skipper Nasser Hussain convinced that the rewards are due to the consistency in selection and a central contracts system.

England have been successful this season, beating Zimbabwe 1-0, winning the Triangular series and currently leading the West Indies 2-1 since the inception of the controversial central contracts system.

Hussain is conscious of the fact that success should continue to prevent critics from calling back the previous system. "Everything is focused at the England level and I know the counties find that difficult at times, but as England captain I'm quite pleased with the way the boys now view this as their team", while saying that in the past the players were in a county tread mill and just popped in to play for England.

"People are turning up and they really desperately want to do well, rather than just collect their cheque and go home. It would be a really good year if we could finish it off with a good five days" he said, while being encouraged at the general understanding of the players that they are now playing for England and it remains the top priority.

Hussain also added that they have not tried any different preparations for the fifth Test but expects more of a battle than the fourth Test at Headingley.

Meanwhile, Jimmy Adams wants to a give a victorious send off to Walsh and Ambrose if they decide to make this a final Test appearance. "They haven't come to me and told me what they are doing either way," said Adams. "My position is that I've known them for a long time, I have a lot of respect for them and what they've done and how well they've made their decisions over the years and they will have my blessing whatever course they decide to take."

Adams is aware of the fact that the result of this Test would reveal the exact picture of how well the West Indians are doing.