Graveney (right) selected Hussain for the second Test Report: Hussain quits Feature: What went wrong Gallery: Hussain's captaincy

Hussain stood down following the first Test against South Africa at Edgbaston, and will be replaced by Michael Vaughan.

"Nasser has been an outstanding leader of England," said Graveney.

"It has been a privilege of mine to work with him - as it has been for all the selectors."

Graveney suggested that the intense media pressure that surrounds the England captaincy finally got to Hussain.

Profile: Nasser Hussain

"I know it's the outside pressures that are involved and they make it difficult for an individual," Graveney told BBC Radio Five Live.

"He looked at the wider discussions and his contribution as a batsman.

I had not expected the Test captaincy to come my way this summer Michael Vaughan

"He's always made his decisions, despite what's written in the media, in the wider interests of the England team, and he's done that again today."

Graveney denied that Hussain had also wanted to end his time as an England player.

Hussain's captaincy in focus

"When we sat down as selectors we had to look at what is the effect on him as an individual - we have a Test in two days' time.

"The one point that we made is that he's one of our top players so as long as he was happy with it, then we would continue.

"We had a long discussion but there was no arm-twisting involved in any of the decisions.

"Nasser Hussain has had the fullest support as captain from selectors, the team, the coach, and continues to do so as a player."

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Vaughan, who will lead the England Test side for the first time against South Africa at Lord's on Thursday, admitted he had not expected to get the job so soon.

"Like everyone in the dressing room, I was surprised,"said Vaughan.

"He was a hugely inspirational captain and no one cares more about the England team than him.

"I had not expected the Test captaincy to come my way this summer, but I feel ready for the challenge and will be more than happy to have Nasser in the dressing room with me as one of the senior players."

England drew the opening Test of their series with South Africa, and opposing skipper Graeme Smith revealed his shock that Hussain was quitting.

"It has come as a surprise," said Smith. "I didn't expect it to happen but Nasser obviously feels it is the best way forward for their side.