Vaughan's Possible Successors

Strauss - return to the helm on the cards?

Michael Vaughan's resignation as Test captain, and Paul Collingwood's decision to follow suit as one-day leader, means a new England captain will be announced on Monday.

Here, we examine the prime candidates and their credentials:

Kevin Pietersen (Age 28, Test caps 42)

England's best player is the favourite for the job. Led the one-day side in the defeat to New Zealand at Lord's last month, has captaincy ambition and an outstanding batting record in all forms of the game. Would no doubt relish captaining England against the country of his birth and squaring up to old foe Graeme Smith.

Andrew Strauss (31, 52)

Took charge during the injury absences of Vaughan and Andrew Flintoff in 2006, leading England to Test series success over Pakistan that summer, and a draw against West Indies at Lord's at the start of the following summer. However, he is not in the limited-overs side currently and has yet to convince against any other attack than New Zealand's since his recall.

Andrew Flintoff (30, 69)

Was first choice to lead in Vaughan's initial absence due to a knee injury and pipped Strauss as the choice for captain in the 2006-07 Ashes. That subsequently blotted his CV with a 5-0 whitewash, although he returned as leader for the end of the impressive Commonwealth Bank Series victory. Always craved the job but will now be intent on meeting personal goals after returning from 18 months on the sidelines.