I don't think he would have made a million friends around the world because that's not Nasser's way Keith Fletcher

Fletcher told BBC Sport: "You got a player who gave you everything when he got on the field - that's important.

"You could never say he was popular all the time but he was definitely prepared to back his judgement and that's what made him a good captain.

"He was an obvious captain because he did know the game of cricket."

Fletcher's first sightings of Hussain were when an Indian-born 12-year-old turned up for nets at the indoor cricket school in Ilford in 1980.

"He was a good little leg-spinner but lost it as soon as he started to grow.

"Obviously he concentrated from then on on his batting."

We are sure that he will keep in touch with us at Essex David East Essex chief executive

Fletcher, who like Hussain captained both his county and his county, said he first realised the youngster was a special talent he joined their staff seven years later.

"He was always a volatile character and always said his piece even when it was out of turn.

"I don't think he would have made a million friends around the world because that's not Nasser's way but he leaves the cricket world as a respected player and captain."

Essex chief executive David East said: "We are all saddened by Nasser Hussain's decision to retire from professional cricket.

"Nasser has made an enormous contribution to Essex and English cricket. He follows in a line of distinguished England captains who have played for Essex in recent times.