NASSER HUSSAIN last night defended hapless Zimbabwe's right to play Test cricket after their Chester-le-Street capitulation marred the biggest occasion in Durham's history.

The North-East's debut Test lasted less than three days on a benign Riverside wicket as Zimbabwe were bowled out twice in just 125.5 overs. Certainly, the Zimbabweans' incompetent display was in stark contrast to Durham's splendid efforts in staging the showpiece occasion.

After nine defeats in a row, and with a severely weakened team, Zimbabwe's inability to be competitive put a dampener on the Riverside's first Test.

But England captain Hussain denied that the tourists ought to have their Test status rescinded and drew comparisons with his difficult Ashes tour last winter.

He said: "Zimbabwe are struggling a bit at the moment but there's no point in everybody knocking them.

"I've been in Australia captaining a side when you've had injuries and things aren't going your way, and it doesn't help when everybody keeps knocking you. They're going through a difficult period, and we've played them and we've beaten them.

"We play them tough on the field - we kick them when they're down there - but off it we give them as much support as they need."

Zimbabwe captain Heath Streak confessed his inexperienced side must improve on the basics if they are to end their wretched run.

He said: "Test cricket is always hard work. We've got to learn to be patient and stick with our gameplan, make sure we do the simple things and do not slack off.

"England have a good young side but they've been well-groomed. They've been taught to pitch the ball up, and they don't get to the top level if they haven't learnt their disciplines.

"They are young but they've come through a competitive system, which makes it easier to do well at the highest level.

"But some of our guys have played only a handful of first-class games."