Good memories as England Test captain - Michael Vaughan celebrates a Headingley Carnegie ton in 2007
Sunday, 3rd August 2008
Michael Vaughan steps down as England Test skipper
Michael Vaughan has announced that he is stepping down as England Test Match captain saying it is "the hardest decision I'ver ever had to make". Paul Collingwood has also resigned the England One Day captaincy.
The England management delayed the announcement of the England team for the 4th Test against South Africa to hold a press conference in Loughborough at 1 o'clock today where Michael announced his decision to the assembled media.
Michael said he had been honoured to captain England and that it had been a "job I've loved". He said that he felt that his resignation would "hopefully prolong my career." He did however confirm that he would not play in the final Test at The Oval and instead he will take a couple of weeks away from the game to recover emotionally.
Vaughan added: "I've put my heart and soul into the job but my head is telling me to pack it in. In New Zealand I had a few thoughts that I might go. It is a fairytale to captain your country but it hasn't had a fairytale ending. I know that it is the right time because my mind told me it was. My body is working well but my mind is not. I wish whoever gets the job all the luck in the world, it's a great privilege."
He went on: "We've beaten New Zealand twice but lost to three big teams. I want to take this little break and then come back and finish the season for Yorkshire. I have to score runs like everyone else and put myself in the frame for selection. I believe these will be the best years of my playing career. I won't hit any balls for a few weeks but then I want to come back and score some runs."
The 33-year-old Yorkshire batsman led England to a first series defeat at home to South Africa since 1965 and has struggled for runs throughout the series, scoring just 40 runs. Kevib Pietersen has subsequently been appointed as Test and ODI captain.
Vaughan has been captain for five years and led England to victory in the Ashes three years ago, but has captained the side to three series defeats against top-class opposition since returning from a career-threatening knee injury.
Michael Vaughan has captained England in 51 Tests, ssecond only to Michael Atherton who was skipper in 54 Tests. Of those 51 Tests where Michael has been captain England have won 26, lost 11 and drawn 14. Those 26 victories under his leadership make him the most successful England Test captain in history. Of the top ten captains who have been in charge longest Michael's win percentage is second only to Mike Brearley's.
ENGLAND CAPTAINS BY LONGEST TENURE
| Player | Span | Mat | Won | Lost | Tied | Draw | W/L | %W | %L |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MA Atherton | 1993-2001 | 54 | 13 | 21 | 0 | 20 | 0.61 | 24.07 | 38.88 |
| MP Vaughan | 2003-2008 | 51 | 26 | 11 | 0 | 14 | 2.36 | 50.98 | 21.56 |
| N Hussain | 1999-2003 | 45 | 17 | 15 | 0 | 13 | 1.13 | 37.77 | 33.33 |
| PBH May | 1955-1961 | 41 | 20 | 10 | 0 | 11 | 2.00 | 48.78 | 24.39 |
| GA Gooch | 1988-1993 | 34 | 10 | 12 | 0 | 12 | 0.83 | 29.41 | 35.29 |
| DI Gower | 1982-1989 | 32 | 5 | 18 | 0 | 9 | 0.27 | 15.62 | 56.25 |
| JM Brearley | 1977-1981 | 31 | 18 | 4 | 0 | 9 | 4.50 | 58.06 | 12.90 |
| R Illingworth | 1969-1973 | 31 | 12 | 5 | 0 | 14 | 2.40 | 38.70 | 16.12 |
| ER Dexter | 1961-1964 | 30 | 9 | 7 | 0 | 14 | 1.28 | 30.00 | 23.33 |
| MC Cowdrey | 1959-1969 | 27 | 8 | 4 | 0 | 15 | 2.00 | 29.62 | 14.81 |
Proudly holding the Ashes in 2005
