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Hussain takes to life as an opener

Essex (238-5) bt Warwickshire (109) by 129 runs

Twenty-Four hours after England's World Cup retreat from Edgbaston, the theatre of tears retrospectively addressed the most contentious selection issue of a flawed campaign. Unlike many things touched by Team England, it worked conclusively in their favour.

Nasser Hussain made 81 from 114 balls, transferring newly acquired international status as an opener to the Essex side, but Nick Knight, the Warwickshire man he replaced throughout the tournament, suffered his sixth single-figure dismissal in eight innings this year.

The unexpected change of itinerary - farewell Super Sixes, back to the humdrum National League - was such that Hussain, not wearing his usual shirt, appeared incognito. And not such a bad idea in the present climate.

A first league win, and a double over Warwickshire following a championship success at Chelmsford, was completed with a minimum of fuss or difficulty. Hussain's free-and-easy start of 124 with Darren Robinson gave Essex an advantage that was never challenged.

Warwickshire's seamers applied some early limitations, Hussain's first boundary brushing fingertips as Ashley Giles stretched overhead at cover, but the mould was broken in Tim Munton's second over. Hussain wound up for a six to midwicket and also cut and tickled fours.

Robinson was some time behind his partner in reaching fifty and yet 10 balls quicker while sensibly distributing the strike to the stronger hitter.

Robinson, after making 53, provided Knight with the first of two catches at deep square leg and Hussain twice got away with steepling shots before finding Graeme Welch at long off.

Stuart Law hit 48 from 37 balls, and though relatively cramped in the closing phase, Essex set a target which brought the worst out of Warwickshire. Indifferent shot selection and accurate bowling, particularly by Ronnie Irani with a league-best four for 13, wrapped up an easy victory.

Only Trevor Penney played with true resolve before Peter Such reached out for more gifts with three for 26.