Duncan Fletcher Photo © Paul McGregor

Duncan Fletcher has spoken of the welcome the return to form of Nasser Hussain. The England coach paid tribute to the selflessness of the captain and his determination to emerge from his run of poor form.

"Nasser was concerned mostly with not letting the side down – that was a good sign," began Fletcher. "He always felt he could do a job and he just did not want to let us down."

Fletcher also explained how the rest of the side had supported their beleaguered captain. "We kept showing confidence in him because we knew he would come back. It was clear at times that he was a bit on edge - but I was surprised that he was not more moody. I think he handled the situatio very well."

Hussain managed only 166 runs in the first class season, at an average of barely 10.

"I think the pressure of beating the West Indies and Zimbabwe was playing on his mind," Fletcher admitted, "but he's a bit more relaxed. At least he has something under his belt now."

Darren Gough celebrated the victory in unorthodox style. He adopted a baby rhinoceros. Although the similarities are hardly uncanny, Gough has earned the nickname 'Rhino' due to his increasingly muscular physique.

"It's been one of my nicknames for years," the England fast bowler joked, "but I can't remember what I'm going to call the rhino."

Gough was buoyant about England's chances of defeating South Africa on Tuesday. "It may seem like a daunting task," he explained, "but I'd rather be facing them than either Pakistan or Sri Lanka."

"We've been playing some good stuff over the past year so there's no reason why we can't beat them. It was a top result against Bangladesh with some excellent performances, especially Nasser's."

"The wickets here are good," Gough continued, "and there is little room for error. If you over pitch you get hit and with the outfield so fast it will fly away for four runs."

© CricIinfo Ltd.