Michael Vaughan was born in Manchester but grew up in Sheffield

Councillors have decided to honour the 30-year-old batsman in recognition of his triumph in leading England to a 2-1 victory in the five-match series.

Skipper Vaughan, who lives in Dore with his wife and daughter, was a pupil at Silverdale School before joining Yorkshire County Cricket Club in 1993.

Sheffield is very proud of Michael Vaughan, said Lord Mayor Roger Davison.

"It's great for Sheffield that Michael has led England to this success in such a spectacular manner," he said.

"His leadership has made everyone in the city immensely proud and he fully deserves the honour of the freedom of the city.

Michael Vaughan's captaincy throughout the series was brilliant Jan Wilson Leader of Sheffield City Council

"Like everyone else, I've been on the edge of my seat watching the Test series unfold, thoroughly impressed by Michael's calm and decisive captaincy."

Vaughan was born in Manchester but moved to Sheffield as a child.

Council leader Jan Wilson said he fully deserved to join the likes of Nelson Mandela, Winston Churchill and astronaut Helen Sharman in becoming a freeman of the city.

"Michael Vaughan's captaincy throughout the series was brilliant, out thinking Ricky Ponting and bringing the best out of the England players," she said.

"I have been watching cricket since I was a teenager, and used to go to Headingley, Trent Bridge, old Trafford and elsewhere with my dad, but I've never seen anything like what's happened this summer."