TRENT BRIDGE, Aug 11: After leading Australia to one of its most successful Ashes victories, Mark Taylor is contemplating retirement as one of the finest captains of the modern era.

Taylor, swept by the euphoria of Australia's fifth consecutive Ashes win, said he would make a decision about his future when he returned to Australia after the sixth Test. ``I'm looking forward to playing at the Oval, then I'll go back home and assess the situation,'' said Taylor.

Australia, 0-1 down after the first Test at Edgbaston, bounced back with venom to win three out of the next four Tests and take an unbeatable 3-1 lead into the final match. It is the first time Australia has come from behind to win the Ashes since Bradman's side did so in 1936-37 in Australia.

Taylor, whose shrewd captaincy ensured he remained in the Australian side despite his poor form with the bat, has now led Australia to three series wins against the West Indies, South Africa and England, in six months.

Taylor said he feels special after the latest Ashes victory. ``It's obviously a fantastic feeling, especially as captain,'' he said. ``I was over here under a lot of pressure. But to come through that and lead a side to Ashes is something very, very special.''

Some may say now would be the ideal time for him to quit, while he is basking in an historic series win. ``Delighted is an understatement,'' was Taylor's first answer to the Ashes triumph. ``It's particularly special this time around because we were 1-0 down. So to come back from that position and win the last three Test matches has been tremendous.''

Since taking over the captaincy from Allan Border in 1994, Taylor has led Australia to seven consecutive series wins in four countries over five opponents.

He stopped short of calling his side the ``Invincible XI'', but compared it with some of the great Australian sides, such as Don Bradman's 1948 team. ``I was never going to say this, but I think we are the world's best side at the moment.''

ATHERTON TO STAY PUT: England selectors' chief David Graveney wants beaten Ashes captain Mike Atherton to lead the team on the tour of West Indies early next year reports Reuter.

Graveney's vote of confidence came after Australia beat Atherton's side by 264 runs in the fifth Test yesterday to take a winning 3-1 lead in the six-Test series and retain the Ashes.

Graveney said: ``I will be having a chat with Mike after the last Test at the Oval, and whatever decisions are made, will be in the best interests of English cricket.''

``But he will definitely be in charge at the Oval -- we appointed Mike for the whole of the series. But, personally, I think that he does a great job for the team and I would be happy for him to be captain for this winter's tour,'' Graveney said.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.