Vaughan Becomes Legend in His Own Right

Vaughan recorded his 21st win as captain yesterday as England completed a series victory against the West Indies.  He relished the ‘huge honour’ of surpassing the mark set by Peter May between 1955 and 1961. 

‘It’s special because I’ve passed a legend in Peter May,’ he said.  ‘It’s a huge honour for me to do that.  I’m very proud but you don’t win a game of cricket without having good players and I’ve been fortunate to have a lot of good players in my team.’

Vaughan has not only gone ahead of May in terms of Tests won, he has done so in record time: just 35 games to May’s 41.  Mike Brearley, generally regarded as England’s finest strategist, won only 18 matches.

The tourists did their best to delay Vaughan’s celebrations, but Steve Harmison ripped out Jerome Taylor and Fidel Edwards with a pair of deliveries after lunch to shorten the wait.

‘We showed character as a team, but Steve showed more character than any of us,’ said Vaughan after the match.  ‘I’ve never been a bowler but I can only imagine how hard it must be when you’re struggling but you have to keep going in front of so many people. 

‘Steve obviously looked at himself and today answered a few questions.’