Nasser Hussain has dismissed reports that he plans to step down as captain after the World Cup in South Africa next March. Commenting on a report in the Daily Mail newspaper, he insisted: "I've not made any decisions on my future. I haven't made any decisions at all." Hussain, 34, had already been assured by Lord MacLaurin, the outgoing England and Wales Cricket Board chairman – and his successor, David Morgan – that he will not be held responsible for England's poor results in Australia. But, according to the Mail, Hussain has been dispirited by his inability to stem the tide, and has told close friends that a change should come sooner rather than later. Already, after failing to win any of their eleven matches, England's tour looks set to go down as the worst Ashes campaign in history.

One England player, who did not want to be named, told the Mail the team supported Hussain. "Nasser is very low and is talking about giving it up soon," he said. "He keeps on saying he wants what is best for English cricket, but unquestionably what's best for English cricket is for him to carry on next summer and beat South Africa."

Only last winter, Hussain was being hailed as England's best captain since Mike Brearley. But Hussain himself has said that any side has to be judged by its record against the very best, and against Australia, England have consistently been found wanting. They lost 4-1 in the 2001 series, and unless England can win one of the two remaining Tests at Melbourne or Sydney, they will be the first England side in 125 years to miss out on a first-class victory in an Ashes tour.

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