Punch-drunk Hussain feeling like a Zombie

SYDNEY, Dec 12 AAP - He's got a sense of humour after all.

Punch-drunk England captain Nasser Hussain has chosen the song "Zombie" by The Cranberries to be played over the public address system when he walks out to bat against Australia at the SCG tomorrow night.

The Australian Cricket Board today released the numbers to be worn by the Australian and English players during the limited overs tri-series.

Of far more interest was an adjoining list of songs that will accompany each batsman to the crease.

The players picked their own tunes.

Hussain's miserable tour so far - still without a win after 11 matches - has left him down in the dumps.

By reputation, he's no comedian at the best of times. But he's shown a lighter side by his pick of the pops.

His team-mate Ian Blackwell must already have a low opinion of his batting partner, whoever that might turn out to be. He went for Stuck In The Middle With You by Steeler's Wheel.

Andrew Caddick, known to be less than impressed by on-field chatter from Australian players, especially Shane Warne, opted for the latest version of the Elvis classic A Little Less Conversation.

Fast bowler Stephen Harmison was driven to Cigarettes and Alcohol by Oasis, while veteran wicketkeeper Alec Stewart showed his age - and maybe some fighting spirit - by opting for the old Queen classic, We Will Rock You.

Australian captain Ricky Ponting, who can struggle early in an innings, went for the Grinspoon song Chemical Heart, which includes the line: "Can't get started ..."

Adam Gilchrist will open the innings to Amazing by Alex Lloyd alongside Matthew Hayden's Get Set by Taxi Ride.

Tailender Jason Gillespie must think Australia is in a bit of trouble whenever he is called upon, choosing Better Get A Lawyer by The Cruel Sea.

Warne and Darren Lehmann both went for Vanessa Amorosi: Shine and Absolutely Everybody. Brett Lee grabbed the chance to promote a song by his own band Six and Out, called Cyclone Sally.

Maybe sacked former captain Steve Waugh's army of supporters will break into Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd. None of the Australian selectors would be likely to join in, not until the Tests come around again.