The Essex batsman, who stepped down as one-day skipper after the World Cup in South Africa earlier this year, quit at the end of the First Test in Edgbaston. Vaughan takes charge this week at Lord’s.
Yorkshire opener Vaughan said he and the rest of the England dressing room had been surprised by Hussain’s decision to quit a job he had done with distinction.
"I honestly hadn’t expected the captaincy to come my way so soon," admitted Vaughan, who said he looked forward to having Hussain alongside in the team.
Hussain also paid tribute to Vaughan. "I think Michael has shown in the last few months that he’s a very capable leader," he said.
"That’s really what I’ve been waiting for – someone to hold their hand up and I think he has done that. There are some young lads in there who will play under him and the last thing they want is a tired leader.
"I don’t see any reason why England can’t be successful under Michael. He lead the team with great enthusiasm during the one-dayers and from what I saw from a distance he had great energy and everything needed to be a successful captain".