Michael Vaughan stepped down as England's test cricket captain on Sunday, following a string of disappointing performances.

Vaughan announced his decision at a news conference just a day after England lost the third test against South Africa at Edgbaston, giving the tourists an unassailable 2-0 lead in the four-match series.

Immediately after the announcement, the England and Wales Cricket Board said Paul Collingwood has also decided to step down as England's one-day captain, clearing the way for a new player to lead both teams.

The ECB said they would announce the new captain on Monday, although British media held Kevin Pietersen as the likely choice.

Vaughan struggled with his batting throughout the series, totaling just 40 runs in five innings, and was harshly criticized in British media after Saturday's loss. After holding the captaincy for five years, Vaughan said his "mind hasn't been as fresh" lately, and that it was time for a break.

He said he will not play in the final test at The Oval, but that he hopes to return as a batsman for England for several more years.

"I wish my mind was fresher and I wish I could've taken it on another year," he said. "But I've had five unbelievable years. It's just the right time, I feel, to move forward with a new captain, a new direction."

Vaughan has been one of England's most successful — and popular captains, leading the team to winning the Ashes three years ago.

However, he missed the 2006 season because of knee and hamstring injuries and resigned as one-day captain after the debacle of resounding defeat in the Ashes in Australia and at the 2007 World Cup.

  • Did he do the right thing? What now for the England team?

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