Cricket: Michael Vaughan Quits As England One-day Captain

Michael Vaughan ended speculation about his future tonight by stepping down as captain of England's one-day team, but has refused to retire completely from the limited overs format of the game.

Vaughan's suitability to lead the one-day side building towards the 2011 World Cup in Asia has come under increasing scrutiny after failing to score a century in 86 one-day international appearances. And despite previously insisting he does not believe separate captains for England's Test and one-day sides will work, he tonight announced the time was right for him to step down from the post he has held since 2003.

"Since our disappointing performances in the World Cup, I have been giving careful consideration as to what is the best way forward for the England one-day team and my own role within the side," Vaughan said. "I reached this decision some time ago, but I did not want to announce it until after the end of this Test series to avoid it becoming a distraction to the team. However, due to intense speculation in the media about my future, I feel it is important to make my intentions clear now.

"Our priority is to build a one-day squad able to compete strongly at the next World Cup and I firmly believe that the interests of the team will be best served if I step down and allow another player to gain additional experience of captaincy in the one-day international arena. I am committed to continuing as England's Test captain for as long as I can be successful in the role. I enjoy the job and I also believe that I will be able to form a strong working relationship with whoever is appointed to the one-day captaincy.

"I will continue to play one-day cricket for Yorkshire and it is not my intention to retire from one-day international cricket as a player. I do, however, fully appreciate that the new captain will need a period of time to establish his own authority over the team."

Durham all-rounder Paul Collingwood is favorite to succeed Vaughan as skipper of the one-day team, although Kevin Pietersen may also be considered for the post. The squad for the two Twenty20 internationals and three one-day internationals against West Indies is due to be announced on Friday by chairman of selectors David Graveney, who will also confirm the identity of the new captain.