Michael Vaughan

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England captaincy

Vaughan was appointed captain of the England one-day international side in 2003, and suddenly became captain of the England Test team after the first Test against South Africa in 2003, when Nasser Hussain resigned after England had narrowly clung on for a draw. The England team promptly lost his first Test in charge by an innings and 215 runs, but went on to level the series 2-2.

Related Topics:
One-day international - South Africa - 2003 - Nasser Hussain

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Vaughan's batting initially suffered under the increased pressures of captaincy, although expectations may also have been too high after his spectacular run of form in 2002: in his first twelve matches as captain, his batting average was only 30.31. However, under Vaughan's captaincy, the England side have become one of the most successful sides in world cricket. He benefited from the revolution begun by coach Duncan Fletcher and former captain Nasser Hussain, such as the awarding of central contracts to the core England players, and continued to forge a winning team.

Related Topics:
Batting average - Duncan Fletcher - Central contract

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In 2003, after the drawn series against South Africa, England toured South Asia, beating Bangladesh but losing to Sri Lanka. But in 2004, England were unbeaten, winning eleven matches and drawing two, including an England record of eight consecutive victories. They beat the West Indies away for the first time since 1968. They then won all seven home Tests against New Zealand and the West Indies, before beating South Africa away for the first time since 1965.

Related Topics:
Bangladesh - Sri Lanka - 2004 - West Indies - New Zealand

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In the 2005 home season, England easily beat Bangladesh in a two-Test series, before facing Australia for the Ashes. Hopes were high after the success of the previous eighteen months, but expectations were moderated by the knowledge that Australia had been the best team in the world for many years. In the first Test, at Lord's, England were easily beaten, but they managed to win the second Test by two runs to level the series. England dominated the rain-affected drawn third Test, and won the fourth Test by three wickets. The fifth Test was also affected by the weather and ended in a draw, allowing England to claim The Ashes for the first time since Mike Gatting's side in the 1986/7 series in Australia. This was also England's sixth consecutive series victory.

Related Topics:
2005 home season - Australia - The Ashes - Lord's - Mike Gatting

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As of 12 September, 2005, Vaughan has led England to 19 victories in 31 Test matches, drawing seven and losing only five. Of nine Test series, he has won seven, drawn one and lost one. However, England have continued to be less successful in one-day internationals; in 48 ODIs as captain, Vaughan has won 25 and lost 17 with two ties and four no-results.

Related Topics:
12 September - 2005

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