VAUGHAN QUITS

It meant the 33-year-old had overseen three series losses against top-class opposition since returning from a career-threatening knee injury.

"I've made the decision to stand down as England captain," Vaughan told a press conference broadcast on Sky Sports News.

"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 felt if I kept going my career could come to an abrupt end-hopefully, this can prolong my career.

"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."

Vaughan revealed he does not want to be considered for the final Test of the series to allow him time to mull over his future.

"I will take a break from the game so I won't be playing at The Oval."

Vaughan continued: "I wish I could have given it one more go. I've had five unbelievable years, felt the emotion of all the aspects of the captaincy, but I feel it's the right time to move forward with a new captain, a new direction.

"We've lost three big series and just think it is time for someone else to lead the team in a different direction.

"I really do believe these could be the best years of my playing career and I can go on and score plenty of runs.

"It is a difficult job but a fantastic job but not many people get to do it which is a real privilege. I've loved every minute of it.

"I think the decision came as a surprise to the players. Perhaps the one regret is that I didn't say it in front of all the players. I hope they all respect me but I hope they can understand it is the right move for me.

"I just kind of knew that it would be the right time to step down if this series ended in defeat.

"Obviously I am taking a break out of the game and then will come back and play for Yorkshire. This was an instinctive decision that this was the time to move on.

"I have some great memories-leading out my country for the first time and of course everything that happened in 2005 in the Ashes."

"Whoever gets the job will need a little bit of time. I was pretty average at the start and got better as time wore on," Vaughan explained.

"But the England team need a leader to guide them in the right direction.

"If the new man rings me up of course I'll answer the questions but I won't be ringing the future captain of the country.

"I didn't aspire to be (captain). David Graveney, Duncan Fletcher and Nasser Hussain maybe had an inclination.

"To be a good captain you need good players and I have had really good players and good bowling attacks-without them I wouldn't have lasted so long."

He continued: "I've tried to be me through the whole period of being England captain, whether it's in the dressing room, or talking to you guys.

"But I haven't been me at home and I guess that's why I've come to this decision. I want to be me again.

"It's a big disappointment not getting through until next year but there's no point carrying on when you know it's time to go."

The ECB's managing director Hugh Morris hailed Vaughan's influence on England since he took charge of the team in 2003.

"Michael led from the front and led with honesty and integrity every step of the way," Morris said.

"He took the England captaincy to new heights. Michael was the best possible ambassador for the game and his record as captain speaks volumes for the character he instilled in the dressing room."

Morris then revealed that Paul Collingwood would be stepping down as captain of the one-day side.

"Paul feels this is the best decision in terms of benefiting the England team and his contribution to the team," he said.

"We are extremely grateful for way Paul led the one-day side since last year."

Of the decision over the new captain or captains, Morris added: "The selection committee is currently considering the squad and captain for the fourth Test and Natwest series. These squads, along with the captain, will be announced tomorrow."

Following the Collingwood news, Vaughan hinted that it would be beneficial for the ECB to choose one captain for both forms of the game.

The 33-year-old continued: "I didn't think a split captaincy would work but it has in the dressing room.

"In an ideal world I think having one captain, one voice, is good for the team.

"I think it would help the new guy if he did all forms of the game."

On a personal level, he added: "I'm looking forward to being the senior player, with little chats I give to players and little bits of knowledge I can pass on.

"I just won't be stood at mid-on waving my arms around and moving players around.

"We live in a country where we all become a little bit cynical and thought I was moving that way.

"I don't want to be a cynical old man, I want to be a fresh optimistic guy."