Mark Ramprakash could find himself in a reluctant role as England's second spinner as they try to improve on their opening one-day international success over Zimbabwe.

Yesterday's five-wicket victory has extended Zimbabwe's run of consecutive defeats, as well as earning England their first victory in 11.

The win was set up by a superb 73 off just 77 balls from Nasser Hussain. his fourth 50 in his last six one-day international appearances for England, and additional contributions from an inexperienced line-up including four debutants.

Ramprakash has bowled only two overs in his previous 13 one-day international appearances but took three for 28 to restrict Zimbabwe to a total of 206.

Mark doesn't like bowling that much and I have to drag him to the crease sometimes," said Hussain. "He spins it and on a wicket like that you need your variation, you need someone to come on and do things like that.

"I was pleased with the way he bowled, batted and fielding. He's a good all-round cricketer which is what we're looking for."

Ramprakash was brought on by Hussain for the finale of Zimbabwe's innings, a job which would normally be done by a fast bowler in England.

"This is a difficult place to play cricket, it's different to what we're used to and you have to bowl a lot of cutters and slower balls and hit over the top when you bat," explained Hussain.

"It's not just hitting through the line like you can at the Oval, it's different cricket and I was very pleased with the way we adapted.

"On this wicket in particular, you have to think on your feet a bit and all of a sudden I was bowling Ramprakash at the death and when would you do that in England?

"For a young side to come out here, with four players on debut, to a place where we lost 3-0 with a much more experienced side and to play the way we did was very pleasing.

"We've got plenty of things to work on, but we're 1-0 up in a five-match series after we've lost 11 on the bounce and against a side who we've lost to before, to keep them down was very important."

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