Fit-again Vaughan sets himself target

England and Yorkshire batsman Michael Vaughan is determined to overcome his injury jinx as he seeks to resume his Test career.

The 26-year-old was unable to take part in the three Test matches against Pakistan at the end of last year because of a calf injury.

To miss out on an historic series victory was a bitter blow for Vaughan but he is now fit again and raring to go for the second half of England's winter programme in Sri Lanka.

He said: "I want to get myself in good form, be injury-free and, I hope, win a place in the Test team.

"Watching how Atherton and Thorpe dealt with the Pakistan spin-ners was a real help to me and I hope I can learn from that when we go out to Sri Lanka. I'd like to be a part of the batting unit over there."

Vaughan has made only eight Test appearances but has done enough to suggest he can cope with the pressures of international cricket.

He is also excited about the prospect of facing Pakistan and Australia next summer.

"The Ashes is a big series," Vaughan said. "I think most of the tickets for the Test matches have already been sold.

"We can beat them. Anyone is beatable on the day and this England side can beat any team in the world if we play well.

"But the Aussies are brilliant at the moment - they are like Manchester United in football. They have gone one step ahead of everyone else and it's up to us to catch them.

"I'd love to be a part of the action next summer but there's a lot of cricket to be played before that."

Vaughan, who made his Test debut against South Africa in 1999, believes his success in the coming year will be gauged by whether he remains in the England team.

He said: "If I stay in the side it means I must be playing well and scoring a few runs. There are plenty of other capable players who can take your place if you don't perform.

"Not only do I want to stay in the team but I want to be part of an England side that not only competes but also wins Test series."