NASSER HUSSAIN'S decision to quit as England skipper came as a surprise but I joked to myself that it could transform my fortunes.

He never picked me for the full squad so who knows, I might have better luck with his successor.

Seriously, I think Nasser might actually benefit as a cricketer from his decision.

I wouldn't be surprised to see him go on and score a lot of runs over the remainder of the summer.

Maybe he saw that in Michael Vaughan there was someone ready and capable of replacing him?

Michael seems to be one of those people who likes to see smiles on the faces of his team and I'd like to wish him well.

There wasn't a great deal to smile about at the end of the first day's play against South Africa.

Our bowlers need to be more disciplined. The South Africans are a strong side and have shown they will take

advantage if the delivery isn't right.

James Anderson was one of those who struggled. I can tell you right now that I won't be getting a red streak put in my hair to improve my selection chances.

It wouldn't go down at all well in the Lewis household!

Elsewhere, there has been talk about a mismatch in terms of Australia taking on Bangladesh.

My argument is that how are countries supposed to improve if they aren't given the chance to play better quality

opposition?

On the county front, Yorkshire are our next opponents.

An achilles problem will rule me out of the match but I know the lads are looking forward to taking on the game's perennial under-achievers.

There is no doubt Yorkshire have some talented young players but they haven't picked up the honours they are capable of.

They won the championship a couple of years ago but things just haven't gone their way since.

We're right next to each other in the table so it's a match both sides will be looking to win.