It says so in the record books – his overall tally of 26 victories in 51 Tests comfortably the highest return by an English leader and a statistic with the potential to stand as long as predecessor Peter May's 46-year spell as number one.

But numbers alone are not always an accurate gauge of worth.
The Sheffielder inherited the role in 2003 with precious little captaincy experience, usurping Marcus Trescothick for the post after Nasser Hussain quit, and quickly showed himself to be a fine leader of men.

This week his tenure came full circle, having taken charge amid the chaos of the second Test against South Africa five years ago, he relinquished the position with a similar uncertainty looming over the direction of this England team.

There is no question that Vaughan brought a solidity and an intelligence to the side and forged a fine working relationship with former coach Duncan Fletcher.

He relaxed his colleagues, promoted expression of talent, and displayed a carefree yet authoritative demeanour on the field.
Indeed, his astute tactical analysis was crucial in delivering the Ashes success of 2005.

His value could perhaps best be measured by the implosion of England in Australia during the winter of 2006-07 when his career-threatening knee injury kept him sidelined.

His absence was seized upon as an advantage by the Australians and Andrew Flintoff, already with duel responsibility, was blitzed trying to juggle too many balls and England were whitwashed 5-0.

Arguably his best skill as captain remains. That of instinct.
Gut feelings have served both him and England well, and this one at least allows him to adjust his personal statistics in time, having left the kind of numbers as captain which will be hard to beat.



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