Last updated: 8th June 2008
England sealed victory by an innings and nine runs in the third Test against New Zealand on Sunday to complete a 2-0 series success.
It was a performance that delighted Nasser Hussain, although the former England skipper used the final skysports.com video blog of the series to discuss more pressing matters, namely the cash explosion in domestic Twenty20 cricket.
Hussain believes the newly-created 'Champions League' competition, to be held in the Middle East or India next autumn will be of great benefit to the county game.
The two finalists in this year's Twenty20 Cup will qualify for the tournament and earn the chance to play for a $5 million jackpot.
"I think it's great for Sky and great for Twenty20 cricket that so much money has been put up for those matches in the autumn," Hussain said.
"It really spices up up our tournament starting on Wednesday when Kent, the holders, play Sussex (live on Sky Sports 1 from 5.30pm).
"And every team in this year's Twenty20 will take it so seriously, you can imagine players desperate to get through to finals day and to win the first semi-final so that they get that big cash bonus, not only for themselves but also for their county.
"So massive amounts to play for in Twenty20 cricket this summer - that all starts on Wednesday."
On the brief spell of action as England completed a comprehensive triumph at Trent Bridge on Sunday, Hussain was impressed and believes England are now a respected opponent.
"When you speak to opposition people like (former New Zealand wicketkeeper) Ian Smith, they regard our captain highly, they regard our team highly, they say don't change the team because it's fantastic," he added.
"There are so many good things going on with English cricket."
To see Nasser Hussain's blog in full, click the video in the top-right corner of your screen.
| Fixture |
|---|
| Sunday 5th July |
| Test Match First Test Match |
| Sri Lanka vs Pakistan |
| Friends Provident Friends Provident Semi Final |
| Lancashire vs Hampshire |
| Sussex vs Gloucestershire |
| One Day Int Fourth Match |
| West Indies vs India |
| Women's ODI 4th Match |
| England Women vs Australia Women |
| Monday 6th July |
| U-19 Test Series 1st Match |
| England Under 19 vs Bangladesh Under 19 |
| Tuesday 7th July |
| County Championship - Div 1 |
| Warwickshire vs Sussex |
| County Championship - Div 2 |
| Northamptonshire vs Derbyshire |
| Essex vs Glamorgan |
| One Day Int First Match |
| Scotland vs Canada |
| Result |
|---|
| Saturday 4th July |
| Tour Match |
| England Lions vs Australia Match Drawn |
| Varsity Match |
| Oxford UCCE vs Cambridge UCCE Oxford UCCE won by 6 wickets. |
| Friday 3rd July |
| County Championship - Division One |
| Somerset vs Yorkshire Somerset won by 4 wickets. |
| Nottinghamshire vs Lancashire Match Drawn |
| Durham vs Worcestershire Durham won by 5 wickets. |
| County Championship - Division Two |
| Middlesex vs Surrey Match Drawn |
| Kent vs Gloucestershire Kent won by 76 runs. |
| Derbyshire vs Leicestershire Match Drawn |
| Friendly Match |
| Warwickshire vs England Match Drawn |
| One Day International Series |
| West Indies vs India India won by 6 wickets. (Revised target - Duckworth-Lewis system) |
Read what Sky Sports' experts and bloggers have been talking about over the last seven days in sport...
With the Ashes close, Benedict Bermange reveals how the recent vernal equinox could inspire England.
Matt Prior's catching will be reliable in the Ashes, says Alec Stewart, as his style is less contrived now.
Read what Sky Sports' experts and bloggers have been talking about over the last seven days in sport...
With the Ashes close, Benedict Bermange reveals how the recent vernal equinox could inspire England.
Matt Prior's catching will be reliable in the Ashes, says Alec Stewart, as his style is less contrived now.
Ed Chamberlin tells you where to put your money when the Ashes and Tour De France get underway...
Former England fast bowlers Angus Fraser and Devon Malcolm drop in for a chat ahead of the Ashes.