SO that’s that then. Michael Vaughan has put away his bat, pads and gloves and will not play cricket again.

The former England captain, who spearheaded the fantastic Ashes success four years ago has grown disillusioned with the sport.

To be honest, the Lancashire-born Yorkshireman has been on a downward spiral ever since those heady days of Aussie bashing and injuries have certainly not helped Vaughan’s case.

He has been badly out of form and even Yorkshire have not always been picking him and they actually dropped him on Sunday when he was hinting to the world that he was going to quit.

But I feel Vaughan is letting the game down. Okay, he is hacked off and fed-up. But to say he has lost his motivation is terrible.

Sometimes we all feel a bit sick of our job - but we can’t just up and walk away from them at a whim unless we get six numbers on the lottery.

As disillusioned with the game as Vaughan is, I am sure his love of the sport will come racing back when a TV company wafts a juicy cheque in front of him to provide expert analysis.

While he will undoubtedly provide some interesting snippits and pearls of wisdom from the commentary box, it is not exactly putting anything back into a game that has been very good to him - in both the profile and bank balance stakes.

There is no reason why the former England skipper couldn’t take up a job as a club professional. His batting is more than good enough for any league - and his spin, remember he has bowled in Test matches, would take wickets.

Fans would flock to see him and the lucky amateurs would get the chance to take to the field with a genuine legend of the game. If Vaughan took up a club’s paid man role he would be really putting something back into cricket.

Youngsters would learn so much from him - and he would probably enjoy the experience and do so much good for a game that has offered him sumptuous financial rewards.

Sadly Vaughan’s attitude is so similar to so many other top players. They take the money and run.

Years ago, when Kevin Pietersen was still South African, he was a sub-professional against Nelson at Seedhill. He did okay.

But can you see KP making a return to the league ranks...that’s a laugh.

The Lancashire League is suddenly blessed with top class professionals. Brendan Nash at East Lancs, Ian Butler at Lowerhouse and Robin Peterson at Nelson.

They are all star internationals; they all love being in the leagues.

Maybe Vaughan should follow their lead.