Vaughan quits ODI captaincy, continue to lead Test side

London, June 19 (UNI) England captain Michael Vaughan has has stepped down from one-day captaincy with immediate effect, but remains available as a player in the shorter version of the game.

The 32-year-old batsman ended days of speculation about his suitability in the role by informing the selectors yesterday about his decision to step down, although he will remain available for selection as a player.

Just after announcing his decision, Vaughan said, ''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.

''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.'' ''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.'' Vaughan said he took this decision in the best interests of the team so as to provide captaincy experience to another player.

''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 ODI arena.'' he said.

However, Vaughan who became ODI captain in June 2003 and led England in 60 matches, winning 32 of those, made it clear that he will continue to lead the Test side as long as he feels he is doing justice to the job.

''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.'' Meanwhile, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said an announcement about Vaughan's replacement will be made on Friday before the start of the the NatWest Series ODI series.

UNI