Vaughan scaled heights as batsman and captain

LONDON: Michael Vaughan touched greatness as an opening batsman then scaled the heights as England captain before a chronic knee injury hastened his premature retirement.

Vaughan, 34, announced he had retired from all cricket yesterday after failing to win back his place in the national side and fulfil his dream of playing once more in an Ashes-winning side.

"It has been a hard decision," Vaughan told a news conference at Edgbaston.