On this day in 2004 – Nasser Hussain scripts a fairytale ending for his international career

Nasser Hussain wasn’t a colossal figure of England cricket, but he led the national team with his own style and swagger. In 96 Tests and 88 ODIs, he managed over 8,000 runs with 15 centuries and 49 half-centuries. His only ton in the one day format came against India in the 2002 NatWest Trophy Final at the Lord’s Cricket Ground. Marcus Trescothick also got a century in the very game.

But the knock went in vain as Sourav Ganguly’s Men in Blue won by two wickets at the Home of Cricket. Interestingly, the same venue in London was a witness to Hussain’s last day in international cricket. The outing turned out to be a memorable one and the now 53-year-old bowed out of cricket on a high. It was in a Test match between England and New Zealand way back in 2004.

Nasser Hussain shines in his swansong

To add to his delight, Hussain’s knock of 103* off 204 balls, laced with 15 fours, helped the Three Lions win the match by seven wickets. When England were chasing 282 runs in the fourth innings, they found themselves in trouble with the score at 143 for three. Andrew Strauss, who was batting on 83, was run out with the home team still needing 139 runs and seven wickets in hand.

However, Hussain and his partner, Graham Thorpe, put on an unbeaten partnership of 139 runs to hand the Black Caps a defeat. In the first innings, Hossain scored only 34 runs, getting clean bowled by Chris Martin, but he was able to make amends in the second innings. However, it was Strauss, who went away with the Player of the Match award courtesy of his knocks of 112 and 83.

Hussain also had his moments to rejoice as the skipper of the England national team as he tasted quite a bit of success. He captained the side in 45 Tests and 56 ODIs and won 45 matches in his heydays. There wasn’t a dull moment he used to ply his trade in the middle. After hanging his boots from all forms of cricket, Hussain is currently one of the most renowned commentators.