England entered their most crucial Test of a successful summer today with captain Nasser Hussain convinced they are beginning to reap the rewards for consistency of selection and the central contracts system.

Since the introduction of the controversial contracts scheme, England have enjoyed unimagined success.

They have beaten Zimbabwe 1-0 earlier this summer, emerged successful from the triangular one-day tournament and stand just one Test away from beating West Indies in a series for the first time since 1969.

It is overwhelming evidence, according to Hussain, that the national side are beginning to see the rewards of making England the top priority rather than an addition to the county treadmill. But he is equally conscious that success on the field must continue to stimulate interest and prevent critics of the changes calling for a return to the previous system.

The whole set-up with England is a different mind-set now, said Hussain.

In the past it felt like we were on the county treadmill and we just popped in and played for England, but now it is pretty much the same sort of faces.

Everything is focused at England level and I'm quite pleased with the way the boys now view this as their team."