Former England captain Nasser Hussain has said that he hopes the team's revival in one-day cricket will see them adopt a bold, attacking style for the forthcoming Ashes series.
England beat New Zealand 3-2 in the recent one-day series, ahead of facing the Black Caps in a Twenty20 international at Old Trafford this evening.
With The Ashes beginning in a fortnight, Hussain says that the England players, particularly captain Alastair Cook, must play with freedom against the Australians.
"About two months ago there was a real downer on English cricket. Everyone was knocking it," Hussain told Sky Sports News.
"What the last couple of months have shown is that there are some seriously good players out there, and if they show off that talent, the whole country will get behind them, and they have got behind them.
"Everyone has got behind this England team because of the style they've played. So that's just a lesson to Alastair Cook and anyone come The Ashes. Play with style, play with freedom and the whole country will be behind you and you'll give yourself a chance."
The first Ashes Test begins in Cardiff on July 8.
Steven Toplis
