NASSER HUSSAIN took a sentimental trip back to Durham University this week - only to have it ruined by boozy students.

"Exams have ended and there were a lot of drunken teenagers about," the England captain joked yesterday.

Hussain, 35, was at St Hild and St Bede College for three years from 1986 to 1989 before turning to cricket.

He still recalls with great fondness his days as a Durham undergraduate, studying natural science.

Wandering Durham city centre's tight cobbled streets this week brought the university memories flooding back for Hussain.

Steve Harmison aside, Hussain's local roots mean he is the England player that feels the greatest joy at Durham's ascension to Test status.

He said: "I walked round my old college the other day and went into the bar. It wasn't easy to do much because there are still a lot of students around.

"I've hardly played up here since I left university; just a couple of one-day internationals, really.

"Durham didn't even have first-class status when I was up here, and I'm very pleased for them.

"Essex used to come up to Jesmond for NatWest Trophy matches, but they've made so much progress in just a few years.

"They love their sport here and they deserve a good week's cricket and weather."