Following Michael Vaughan's retirement we look at how he compares to England's best skippers.
How Vaughan compares to some of England's best skippers
Michael Vaughan has retired from all forms of cricket after missing out on a place in England's 16-man squad for this summer's Ashes series. We look at how the 34-year-old will go down in history compared to some of the other finest England captains of all time.
Sir Len Hutton (1952-1955)
Became England's first professional captain against India in 1952, despite having never skippered his county. A good motivator, focused and tactically astute, Hutton was also described by Denis Compton as "the greatest opening batsman I have ever seen". Won 11 of 23 Tests as captain.
Peter May (1955-1961)
Hutton's vice-captain in Australia in 1954-55, May took over as skipper in 1955 when Hutton became ill. A respected figure of authority among the team and also a big performer with the bat, scoring 4,537 runs at 46.77 in 66 Tests. Won 20 of his 41 Tests as captain and lost only 10.
Mike Brearley (1977-1981)
Brearley's reign as skipper began in 1977 with an emphatic Ashes victory over Australia, but he is perhaps best remembered for his role in the triumphant 1981 Ashes series. The runs never flowed freely with the added weight of captain's responsibilities, but his leadership skills assured his place in history. Won 18 of his 31 Tests.
Michael Atherton (1993-2001)
Named England captain at the age of just 25, Atherton went on to lead his country in 54 Tests. Goes down as one of England's great despite posting only 13 victories. Never willing to admit defeat, Atherton's tenure was tainted by the 'dirt-in-pocket' affair against South Africa, but he is more fondly remembered for innings such as the 643-minute 185 not out to earn a draw against the Proteas in 1995-96 which summed up his doggedness as an opener and a captain.
Nasser Hussain (1999-2003)
Hussain led England on 45 occasions and recorded 17 Test triumphs, including four successive series, and led the team to third in the ICC rankings. A middle-order batsman and commanding leader always full of energy and never afraid to try a bold fielding change, Hussain remained a popular figure among players and fans despite Ashes defeats in 2001 and 2002-03. Stepped down in summer 2003 after growing "tired" of the captain's role.
Michael Vaughan (2003-2008)
Elegant batsman inherited the role of skipper with precious little captaincy experience when Hussain quit in 2003. Secured his place in history in September 2005 by becoming the first England captain to win an Ashes series since Mike Gatting in 1986-87. Stepped down at an emotional press conference last August and has not played for England since. Recorded more Test wins as skipper than any other man with 26 in 51 matches - six more than May and eight ahead of Brearley. Retired today from all forms of cricket.
