Spate of broken bones sparks Hussain's career fears

England captain Nasser Hussain has said that any more hand injuries could mean the end of his career.

Hussain will miss the Second Test at Lord's starting on Thursday after taking a blow on his left hand from fast bowler Jason Gillespie in the First Test. The impact fractured his finger, meaning a three-week lay-off.

The injury came only weeks after he had suffered a broken thumb while facing Pakistan paceman Shoaib Akhtar in the First Test against Pakistan in May.

Hussain said: "Much more of this and I will be up there in the commentary box full-time.

"I have to accept that if these breaks keep occurring there is going to be a problem."

He told the Mail On Sunday: "I saw a specialist last week to undergo tests to see if there is any brittleness in the bones.

"One way or another, it is a worry."

In 1999, Hussain broke the middle finger on his right hand at Lord's against New Zealand, and last season he missed the Second Test against the West Indies after breaking his left thumb playing for Essex.

Michael Atherton has been named as replacement captain for Hussain for the Lord's Test.