Cricket: Michael Vaughan has ended speculation about his future by stepping down as captain of England's one-day team but has refused to retire completely from the limited overs format of the game.
Vaughan's suitability to lead the one-day side building towards the 2011 World Cup in Asia has come under increasing scrutiny after failing to score a century in 86 one-day international appearances.
But despite a miserable World Cup campaign, Vaughan has insisted he does not believe separate captains for England's Test and one-day sides will work and announced tonight he was stepping down from the post he has held since 2003.
The 32-year-old Yorkshire batsman 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.
"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 one-day international arena.
"I am committed to continuing as England's Test captain for as long as I can be successful in the role."
The squad for the two Twenty20 internationals and three one-day internationals against West Indies is due to be announced on Friday by chairman of selectors David Graveney, who will also confirm the identity of the new captain.