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No-one tried harder than Vaughany - Moxon
Martyn Moxon has paid tribute to retiring Yorkshire and England legend Michael Vaughan – and says he can empathise with his injury plight all too well.
Vaughan, 34, announced his retirement from all forms of cricket with immediate effect yesterday after failing to cover from a chronic knee injury.
And Tykes director of professional cricket Moxon – who opened the batting with Vaughan on his county debut against Roses rivals Lancashire in 1993 – insists the 2005 Ashes hero has made the right decision.
Vaughan, a member of Yorkshire's 2001 Championship winning side and the team who lifted the C&G Cup at Lord's a year later, had been desperate to prove his fitness and rediscover his form with the Tykes to propel himself into Ashes consideration.
But after failing to do so, he has bowed to the inevitable and called time on his playing days.
Moxon, who suffered with injuries towards the end of his own career in 1997, said: "To be fair to Michael, he has worked extremely hard to try and get back into the England team.
"And I don't think anyone could have done anymore than he has with regards to looking after himself; his training and his practice. He's done everything he possibly can.
"He hasn't succeeded, but it certainly hasn't been for the lack of trying. Like all players who eventually retire, you know when the time's right. It happened to me, the body tells you when the time has come.
"When you can't do things you used to do naturally, it becomes very difficult.
"And I think Michael has reached that stage now; he knows it's the right time to finish.
"In a way, you don't miss that pain of playing. It becomes painful after a while, the fielding in particular.
"I know Michael has felt it and I certainly did at the end of my career. It's the fielding which gets you; it becomes painful and the body can't do it any more.
"When that's the case, you don't miss that.
"I think when you have reached that decision, you can move on with your life and don't have any regrets.
"He's had a fantastic career with lots of great memories. He was a fantastic player and a great England captain.
"Whatever he does next, he'll be a success, without a doubt – he's that kind of guy.
"He's not only been a fantastic cricketer, but he's an intelligent bloke."
Heralding Vaughan's glittering career, Yorkshire chief executive Stewart Regan added: "Michael is a class act and will be remembered by Yorkshire members and supporters around the world for his beautiful stroke play and of course his success in leading England to Ashes glory in 2005.
"It has been a pleasure and a privilege for me to get to know Michael over the past three years and his presence around the club has been hugely motivational, particularly the younger players.
"I wish him every success in the future and hope that he continues to take more than a passing interest in the fortunes of Yorkshire CCC.
"On behalf of the board of directors, I would like to personally thank him for his magnificent contribution not only to Yorkshire, but to the game of cricket as a whole."
Ends
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Sunday 12 February 2012
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