BBC SPORT | Cricket | England | England in NZ 2002

I managed to hang around a bit for Nasser but eventually I nicked one and that was that.

The whole thing seems a world away now, after a long trip back. It takes forever when you can't wait to get home.

It's been a very long winter but I can't underestimate the amount of stuff I've learned.

It's a different ball game now. I've learned a lot from practicing and I've learned there's a lot more pressure playing Test cricket.

Extra challenge

There's a reason they're called "Tests" - each game is a real challenge both mentally and physically, and the whole thing can be really grueling.

It was especially tough when extra time was added to each day to make up for the rain - on some days we were playing 105 overs, which was very tough.

Foster in Mohali
The first Test cap was a highlight, but disappointing personally
And because the five-day game is such a challenge, being part of a winning Test team for the first time in Christchurch was pretty special.

Being awarded my Test cap and walking out for the first time in Test cricket in Mohali also has to be one of the highlights of the trip.

Although my debut was disappointing, it was great to come back from it in Ahmedabad and prove that I was better than some people had first thought.

I've had some good days and some bad on the tour but I've spoken to people and tried to put things right.

There's no point in hiding from problems; it's crucial to learn from your mistakes.

I'm definitely learning from the bad days. That's the time I feel I can learn the most.

Banter

Nasser is always encouraging people. He's always there - always behind you - it's a privilege being under a captain like that.

I knew him a little bit beforehand but obviously living with him for six months I have got to know him quite well.

He's so supportive, whenever I feel I need a bit of advice I always feel I can talk to Nass and he always gives me something to work on and always says things in a very positive way.

Foster and Hussain
Hussain (right) is always there to encourage
You can have some good banter with him. Some of the youngsters take the mickey out of him and vice versa but we always know when we have to turn it on and when not to.

After being in the freezing cold New Zealand winter for the last few weeks - and it was even colder as I forgot to take any jumpers with me - it's good to be back in sunny England.

I haven't had chance to think much about the county season ahead, but I've got to sort out what will happen between Essex pre-season training and my going back to university in Durham.

I'm splitting the final year of my course over two years but I'm down to do one exam in May so we'll have to see how it fits in with international calls.

The England central contracts look likely to be announced on Monday, and it would be an absolute bonus to get one.

But I can't do any more to persuade the selectors.

I've played all winter, done everything I can and now I've just got to wait.