Hussain ponders move down the order

Nasser Hussain is to decide by himself whether a move down the batting line-up is in order before the second Test in Kandy.

Although Hussain hit a half-century at Karachi to end his barren 2000 on a bright note, and followed it with another in a warm-up game in Sri Lanka, two failures in the Galle Test have reopened the debate about Hussain's best position in the side.

Hussain admitted: "I have to make a few decisions and work out what is right for the England cricket team."

Duncan Fletcher has lent his support, suggesting that a change in fortunes should be just around the corner for the England captain.

"It's up to Nasser, he should make the decision," the England coach said. "I've had a chat to him about it and I think he's batting very well, but there are times in your career when you don't get runs. I think he's batting far better now than he was last summer in the UK and I'm sure if he gets one good score under his belt he will play like the old Nasser Hussain in South Africa."

Before the last 12 months, Hussain had appeared the solution to England's perennial number three problem. He scored heavily against India, Australia and South Africa before running into difficulties in the summer of 2000.

With Atherton and Trescothick combining so well in the opening partnership, Hussain is probably as well off at number three as anywhere. The problem of facing hostile fast bowlers with the new ball is less of an issue on this tour, and wherever he does decide to bat, he is likely to face similar problems. Certainly batting in the middle-order is no easier in Sri Lanka, where the spinners are likely to be just as effective. The psychological damage of moving down the order may not help him regain his confidence either.