Hussain said it has also been a valuable experience for himself and coach Duncan Fletcher as they attempt to rebuild the one-day side in time for the World Cup in February 2003.

The England skipper feels that the one-off five match limited-overs series in Zimbabwe has allowed the players and management to concentrate solely on their World Cup preparations.

"We've put in good performances. We've found out about certain players and created an atmosphere learning about one-day cricket and discussed things before and after matches," said Hussain.

Aggressive approach

"Generally we've worked at the game of one-day cricket. We don't get many opportunities to do that. It always seems to be a bit of a tag-on at the end of a tour.

"It's the first opportunity that Duncan Fletcher and myself have had to sit down with the boys and say, 'right this is what one-day cricket is about, let's just focus on that'.

"Obviously we will play better sides and will have to play against better teams if we are going to progress but don't underestimate Zimbabwe by any means."

England have won all four of the games played so far and Hussain defended England's aggressive approach to the matches.

He and wicketkeeper James Foster were reprimanded by the match referee in the third match after confrontations with Zimbabwe batsman Andy Flower.

And Hussain was criticised by Zimbabwe's stand-in skipper Alistair Campbell for failing to shake hands at the end of that game.

Shake hands

"Whoever we play, we play hard," Hussain said.

"There was a fair share of controversy in the summer (against Australia) and there was some controversy in Sri Lanka and Pakistan. That's the game now.

"There are hundreds of media and cameras picking up on everything and that is the game and there is controversy all around.

"You can't have a media core and not have them picking up on things. We play Zimbabwe in the same way we play any other side.

"I'll shake hands warmly with the opposing captain," he added.