What was so Special about Michael Vaughan?
Michael Vaughan has retired and everyone is talking about him.
Among batsmen with atleast 15 test centuries, only Bradman, Strauss, KP, Walcott, Azharuddin, and Hayden have a better conversion rate than he does.
Tributes have poured in from all corners with some praising his timing, others raving about his cover drive, and almost everyone talking of his greatness as a leader.
Geoff Boycott has even gone to the extent of ranking him alongside Mike Brearley, who many consider as the best England captain ever; if not the best international captain ever.
That got me wondering.
Was Vaughan really that good?
I don't think he ever reached the same heights as a batsman as he did during the 2002-03 Ashes; nor did he lead England to any memorable series wins besides the 2005 Ashes (or is my memory failing me?).
Then what makes him so special?
His test record, 5719 runs at 41.44, is just about average; while his ODI record is nothing to talk about.
I've never thought of Vaughan as a great cricketer; seeing all that is being said about him made me question myself.
Was he really that great?
As a test captain, he ranks alongside the best.
Among all captains that have led in a minimum of 25 tests, Vaughan is among the top 10 in terms of percentage of test matches won.
In there he is in the great company of Brearley, Steve Waugh, Mark Taylor, and Viv Richards.
Though his record as a batsman isn't one for him to be considered among the best, there is one area where he ranks among the greats.
His conversion rate.
With 18 centuries and 18 fifties, Vaughan converts 50s into 100s more often than most test batsmen.
Among batsmen with atleast 15 test centuries, only Bradman, Strauss, KP, Walcott, Azharuddin, and Hayden have a better conversion rate than he does.
No wonder everyone is raving about him.
I think my judgement was clouded due to what Shoaib Akhtar did to him in 2005.
The look on Vaughan's face when he was deceived by that slower one was priceless.
Here's the wicket (the 2nd one in the video); I couldn't find one of his expression but for those who have seen it know what I am talking about.
That for me will remain the most memorable Michael Vaughan moment.
After that glorious 183 against Australia at Sydney ofcourse.
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