Edgbaston Test, Day 3
Saturday, June 1, 2002 Our bowlers put in a bloody good effort tonight, it's just a shame the pitch didn't explode quite as we'd have liked it to. They've got a strong batting line-up, as we've already seen this series, and it's not impossible that we'll have to bat again. But that doesn't worry us – it's a good wicket, and we'll chase whatever they can manage.

Gilo [Ashley Giles] bowled an excellent spell. He kept plugging away and that's about the best he's ever bowled for no wickets. And Matthew Hoggard as well, he grabbed his early wickets when the ball was swinging, and kept at it in the evening.

Hoggy also showed what can be done with a bit of application from the tail. I must say, I was pretty disappointed with some of shots the other guys played, but Hoggy stuck to the basics and provided great support for Graham Thorpe, who was magnificent again. His hundred was the best of the match.

Obviously the day was overshadowed by a tragedy off the pitch. It's terrible how these things come in threes – after the loss of two young cricketers earlier this year, and especially, for us, Ben. And once again we all heard the news at the lunch break.

We immediately issued a statement, and all our thoughts are with his family. Everything that surrounded him is well known, and I wouldn't want to speak ill of the dead. But we all remember him as a tough competitor and a fine captain. In fact, some of the guys who played under him, like Matthew Hoggard at Free State, reckon he's the best captain they ever played under.

Nasser Hussain's thoughts appear on Wisden.com, other duties permitting, at the end of each day of international cricket that England play.

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