CRICKET: Delayed NatWest final goes on at Lord's tomorrow against backdrop of uncertainty over competition's future

Glamorgan 180 for 7 v Leics

Stephen Brenkley studies the reserved and deserved rise of Steve James

Nasser Hussain's captaincy credentials will be put under the spotlight in today's NatWest Trophy semi-final between Essex and Glamorgan at Chelmsford.

Perhaps the England selectors would be wise to follow the advice they are frequently given to pick 'em young. Ben Hollioake became the second youngest player since the war to represent the country in a Test match when he took the field against Australia last Thursday at the age of 19 years and 269 days, and history suggests that he has a long, auspicious international career ahead.

A week in cricket

Worcestershire 394 & 99-5 Essex 451

Worcestershire 394 Essex 230-3

Extra Cover: A week in cricket

Cricket

ROUND-UP

So far, this series has not been blessed by a single good pitch. The principal reason has been the weather, which has not allowed groundsmen the time to work on their pitches. Sub-standard they may have been, but they have still produced some fascinating cricket.

Middlesex 150-3 v Yorkshire

From national hero to Essex man of the moment. Andrew Longmore stays on the Nasser Hussain trail