Irani may have to be dropped, says Hussain

Nasser Hussain admitted yesterday that he shared the growing concern over the form of his county captain Ronnie Irani after England's latest defeat increased anxiety about the state of their World Cup preparation.

"Ronnie is struggling at the moment," Hussain said. "We will have to review it as there is no hiding place in international cricket. It could be that we have to leave him out or all he needs is a score."

The Essex all-rounder's dismissal for two extended his dismal sequence of scores. He has now made 10 in six innings in the VB Series.

Irani has also taken only one wicket in the tournament but, since he has already been named in the 15-man World Cup squad, he cannot be replaced on grounds of form. So Hussain knows he has little option other than to offer public displays of support to one of his closest friends in cricket.

Though Andrew Flintoff has been declared fit, doubts still surround Craig White. If White is ruled out, Adam Hollioake, the official standby for the all-rounder's berth, could be called in even though he has yet to play a game in the VB Series. That move could mean Irani taking a back seat for the first group match.

Of Steve Harmison's erratic display with the ball Hussain said: "We need to give him the support both on and off the field. It's important that players don't blank him when they walk past him in the hotel in the morning, that we don't throw our arms up in the air when he drops a catch and that we don't blame him for everything."