You are in > manchester.com  > News > Fletcher: Vaughan is "best"

General Sports News

Fletcher: Vaughan is "best"

24/10/2005

Duncan Fletcher has praised his skipper Michael Vaughan to the skies, describing him as "the best captain in world cricket".

The England coach, who has been grabbing the headlines with bitter remarks made about Australia in his serialised autobiography, told the BBC that Vaughan is respected by everyone in the England setup.

"I had a good relationship with Nasser [Hussain, previous England captain] but with Michael it's been a great relationship," the Zimbabwean said.

"There's been an understanding and a belief about the side, which is important, and I really enjoy working with him.

"His decision-making is very clear, he's very proactive, which is crucial as captain."

Since Vaughan took over from Hussain in the middle of a tense home series against South Africa in 2003, England have won 19 Tests, lost five and drawn seven.

This makes Vaughan the most successful England captain in history statistically, eclipsing even famous grey-haired skipper Mike Brearley, who like Vaughan won the Ashes with the help of a heroic all-rounder.

But back in 1981 Ian Botham was not supported by the kind of quality England can now boast as they fly out for the Pakistan tour this week.

© Adfero Ltd