Nasser Hussain: there are lessons to learn Photo © Paul McGregor CricInfo Ltd

Nasser Hussain has refused to single out members of his team for blame following their hugely disappointing performance in the ICC KnockOut quarter-final match against South Africa.

Instead he choose to praise the victor's strengths, and learn lessons from the defeat.

"There are many lessons to be learned from this match," Hussain stated. "The bowling is one of them."

"The boys from South Africa, Pakistan and elsewhere are brought up on wickets like these. They know how to bat and bowl on them. Their example is something we have to learn from this winter."

"As a bowler you have to work hard for everything here. We are used to different conditions."

It has been suggested in some quarters that England's opening batsmen played into South Africa's hands by starting too slowly. Hussain was having none of it.

"No, the way they played is not in doubt. Very rarely do you see Stewart and Trescothick five for none in eight overs. "

"They have played well together for a while now against quality attacks. It was just class bowling from the front line South African bowlers. They were in complete control. To follow that with Donald is quality."

Hussain also pointed out that it would have made little difference if England had chosen to bat second, a point that his opposing captain, Shaun Pollock, agreed with.

"It was a bat first wicket," Hussain said. "It was dry and sunny in the morning and cloudier in the afternoon. The wicket deteriorated at the end. If we had done it the other way around it would just have been a longer game – that is all."

Such candour does Hussain credit. No doubt his public show of support for his teammates will encourage the positive thinking and constructive hard work that have been emphasised since Fletcher and Hussain took control.

He has stressed many times that England will learn from this tour. The result of the ICC KnockOut will not seem too serious if the team are able to learn their lessons quickly, and are able to succeed in Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

© CricInfo Ltd.