Vaughan retires

Former England captain Michael Vaughan announced his retirement from all professional cricket with immediate effect here at Edgbaston on Tuesday.

The 34-year-old Yorkshire batsman said the time was right for him to step aside and allow a new generation of players their chance to shine. "It's been a hard decision," Vaughan, who as captain led England to their 2005 Ashes series triumph, told a news conference at Edgbaston here on Tuesday.

"The decision came two weeks ago at Worcester when I realised there were younger players around the Yorkshire team, and certainly England, who need to be given a chance.

BIRMINGHAM, England, Tuesday, AFP