text: Michael Vaughan, Alec Stewart and Andrew Strauss are three former  captains bidding to lead England's reform after Paul Downton was sacked as managing director. All three achieved a great deal while playing for England and are well-respected figures within the game. Sportsmail takes a closer look at the trio battling to become the most powerful man in English cricket. Alec Stewart (Age 52) CURRENT JOB: Director of cricket at Surrey. SHOW US YOUR MEDALS: Played 133 Tests, more than any England cricketer. PLAYERS HE LIKES: Has established a rapport at Surrey with the out-of-favour Kevin Pietersen — says English cricket needs to be bold. REASON IT MIGHT HAPPEN: Stewart has added his name to the ring of potential candidates, and knows the job of director of cricket inside out. REASON IT MIGHT NOT: He’s only interested if there’s a clear line of accountability. May demand a say in selection. Alec Stewart during Surrey's media day at The Oval ahead of the new county cricket season . Stewart is hoisted into the air on his team-mate's shoulders after beating South Africa at The Oval in 2003 . Andrew Strauss (Age 38) CURRENT JOB: Sky commentator. SHOW US YOUR MEDALS: Captained England to home-and-away Ashes triumphs. PLAYERS HE LIKES: A big fan of his former opening partner Alastair Cook, who he insists will score plenty of Test runs this summer. REASON IT MIGHT HAPPEN: Widely respected within English cricket for taking the team to the top of the Test rankings. REASON IT MIGHT NOT: Strauss is still in the early days of his career as a commentator – and is enjoying it. Andrew Strauss captained England to Ashes triumphs both home and away and now works for Sky Sports . Strauss in action for England at the 2011 Cricket World Cup against India in Bangalore . Michael Vaughan (Age 40) CURRENT JOB: Broadcaster and columnist. SHOW US YOUR MEDALS: Famously led England to the 2005 Ashes — and 26 Test wins overall, a national record. PLAYERS HE LIKES: Joe Root is a particular favourite — he is next in line to replace Alastair Cook as Test captain. REASON IT MIGHT HAPPEN: Vaughan is interested in the job in principle, and is close to incoming ECB chairman Colin Graves. REASON IT MIGHT NOT: He may decide he’s enjoying his media career too much to risk entering firing line. Michael Vaughan led England to the famous 2005 Ashes win and 26 Test match victories in all . Vaughan now works in the media as an analyst for BBC Test Match Special and Channel 5 among others .
target: Three former captains in the frame to lead English cricket .
  Paul Downton was sacked as managing director on Wednesday .
  Michael Vaughan has emerged as a leading candidate for the role .
  Alec Stewart said he would consider taking up the position .
  Andrew Strauss is also well respected within the game of cricket .