Hussain was the 'right man at the right time' and became an inspired choice as England captain

MIKE ATHERTON: Nasser was fiercely determined and did a brilliant job as captain. He has become a an excellent commentator and reads the game as well as anyone

On Nasser Hussain's 50th birthday, his Sky Sports colleague and former England team-mate Mike Atherton writes about his relationship with the ex-national captain over the past 30-plus years...

I’ve known Nasser for 35 years or thereabouts, ever since we played in the equivalent of what is now the Bunbury festival as 15-year-olds. He came with a big reputation as a leg-spinner, but it was apparent that he was suffering from the yips and he had to reinvent himself primarily as a batsman.

Since then we have taken remarkably similar paths in life: England Under-15s, Under-19s, Combined Universities, county cricket, international cricket and then the media post-retirement, having been on more tours together than either of us would care to admit.

^{Atherton and Hussain batting together at Port Elizabeth}

As a cricketer he was fiercely determined: a fighting batsman, brilliant all-round fielder and competitive character who became an inspired choice as England captain. He was just the right man at the right time and did the job brilliantly.

Everyone will have their likes and dislikes of those behind the microphone, but I think he has become an excellent commentator – a sharp observer who reads the game as well as anyone.

He keeps himself to himself largely but those who have known him a long time find him a loyal and honest friend.

^{Atherton checks on his team-mate after Nasser is struck on the hand by Wasim Akram}

He has mellowed a bit in recent years, but has passed on his temper to his youngest son, Joel. I had to give Joel run out (like father, like son) at his birthday party once and he stormed off out of the park and down the road, cursing, with Nass in hot pursuit. You reap what you sow, I guess!

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^{"He has mellowed a bit in recent years"}