Between the two of them, they can take the credit for the emergence of Darren Gough and the real Andy Caddick as England's front-line bowlers. No sooner had Illingworth become chairman of selectors in 1994 than he plucked Gough, fast but largely unknown, from Yorkshire for the England side to face New Zealand where he swept in like a breath of fresh air. He was right, too. Hussain is by some distance the more accomplished batsman, although Illingworth could stick it it out when needed and contributed valuable wickets with his off-spin. In context of a scrap for spoils, there is little to chose between the two.
Some perspective is in order, however.
Edrich made seven hundreds against Australia alone. Trescothick is only just starting his international career. Both right-handers, but Sharpe's opportunities were limited. Vaughan on the other hand looks like he will be around for a while. It might seem sacrilegious to pair off such wonderful players as Thorpe and Stewart and Tom Graveney and Alan Knott, who each demand attention on their own.