Birmingham, July 28: England skipper Nasser Hussain resigned as captain of the England cricket team today, with Michael Vaughan announced as his replacement. Hussain, 32, who quit as one-day captain after England's first round exit in the World Cup in South Africa earlier this year, had just led the side to a draw in the opening Test against South Africa at Edgbaston.
Vaughan is now captain of both the one-day and Test teams.
"I feel that the time is right for a change," Hussain said. "Michael Vaughan has shown in the last few months what a capable leader he is." "The last thing this team needs is a tired leader. I need to give a 100 per cent when I am captain. Captaincy always affects your game," said Hussain.
Hussain was named in the England squad for the second Test against South Africa starting Thursday. He said he would continue to play for England.
Hussain replaced wicketkeeper and batsman Alec Stewart as captain in 1999. He has led England to 17 wins in 45 Tests as captain including 15 defeats. Hussain has been one of England's most successful modern Test captains. In 2000, he led England to a historic 3-1 series win over the West Indies at home -- first series win against them since 1969.
After winning the home series against Zimbabwe and the West Indies during the summer of 2000, Hussain led England to landmark series wins in Pakistan and Sri Lanka during the winter.
His career has been plagued by injuries and missed a series of home matches with broken fingers. Bureau Report