Vaughan Steps Down as Captain

Michael Vaughan stood down as England captain on Sunday 3 August 2008 after England lost the Test series to South Africa at Headingley.

Vaughan is officially England’s most successful captain with 26 wins in 51 Tests, surpassing Peter May’s previous record of 20 wins from 41 matches.

Vaughan took on the captaincy in July 2003, taking over from Nasser Hussain for the second Test against South Africa at Lord's. He secured his first Test win as captain at Trent Bridge in August 2003 by 70 runs.

During his reign, England went unbeaten in 2004, winning 11 matches and drawing two, including a national record of eight consecutive victories. They also beat the West Indies away for the first time since 1968 and won all seven home Tests against New Zealand and West Indies.

In 2005, England beat South Africa away for the first time since 1965 before a memorable Ashes series which Vaughan’s team clinched with a draw in the final Test at The Oval, England’s first Ashes victory for 16 years.

Injury in 2006 kept Vaughan out for a year, but he made a comeback with a Test century at Headingley in May 2007.

Recent losses to India, New Zealand and South Africa haven’t tainted Vaughan’s heroic record, and he will be remembered as a dignified, astute and intelligent leader.

Speaking after stepping down as captain, Vaughan said:

"It's the hardest decision I've ever had to make but also the easiest. The hardest because I'm giving away the job I've loved for the last five years, one I've put my heart and soul into, but also the easiest because my mind has told me to pack it in.

"I believe the best thing for me is to try and get back to being best batsmen I can be. I'll still have all the experience and knowledge to pass on and I hope to be a valuable player for both my county and the England team

"I will carry on playing because I think there are a lot more runs in me.

"This decision will prolong my career. I'm moving better than ever in the field so hopefully this decision will make my last few years a very exciting time.

“Since taking over the role in 2003 it has been an unbelievable time in my life. Whilst I have experienced both highs and lows the experience of captaining your country is one that I will cherish.”

Vaughan has ruled himself out of the final Test against South Africa at The Oval as he wants time to consider his future.