The message from Nasser Hussain rang out loud and clear: "We don't want to be a flash in the pan." With the start of the five-match series just two days away, a relaxed but focussed Hussain was in no mood to take his foot off the gas after eight wins in the last 11 one-day internationals. "I thought we were slightly below par in Hamilton," he said, "and I've spoken to the boys about that. But I've got full confidence that when they come up against a strong New Zealand side, with a vocal crowd, they'll be up for it again." But Hussain was also realistic – when isn't he? – about the progress his side have made. "I'm pleased with the way we're gelling as a team and the way we're showing character and fight," he said, before adding cautiously, "I think there's a lot more we have to learn about one-day cricket. You don't go from being wherever we were ranked in one-day cricket to world champions in 11 internationals."

Hussain singled out several aspects of one-day cricket that England needed to improve on: "Our fielding, our intensity, our fighting in tight situations, our batting in the first 15 overs, our bowling at the death." That didn't seem to leave much, but Hussain likes a bit of room for maneouvre. "The thing is for us not to overreact. You learn more from losses and wheels coming off than from wins. There will be times, possibly even in this series, when the wheels will come off."

If the wheels have come off anyone, it's New Zealand, who start the series trying to halt a run of five defeats. "They are on a little bit of a downer," said Hussain. "The first two games are crucial. The conditions here are going to be more like the World Cup, so it's how we adapt to these conditions that is going to be important, not only for this series, but ahead as well."

When the subject of Shane Bond's injury cropped up, Hussain did his best not to cartwheel across the lobby of The Heritage Hotel. "We're not too disappointed," he chuckled, but then quickly realised that he didn't want to provide New Zealand with a ready-made pep-talk. "He looks a great prospect and we were looking to shape up to him to be honest. Young fast bowlers bring vibrancy to the game." Pause. "Disappointing, but not too disappointing."

Hussain, naturally enough, is more worried about his own youngsters. "Because it's a young side, you get away with things and you get written up well," he admitted. "Now that it's a bit more experienced, people expect more of you. It'll be interesting to see how they go." The last sentence was said with an almost detached air: Hussain is an involved captain, but he knows that a little distance doesn't hurt either.

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