Vaughan backs Freddie claims
Michael Vaughan is backing Andrew Flintoff to replace him as England's full-time captain if he leads a successful defence of the Ashes this winter.
The Yorkshire batsman is still regarded as England's captain despite being sidelined by a knee problem since March but Vaughan believes the challenge awaiting England under the Lancashire all-rounder's leadership in Australia is so great that if they do retain the Ashes his close friend will deserve the captaincy on a long-term basis.
"I'd be the first to admit that if we go over to Australia and retain the Ashes then Freddie should keep the job - he would have done a tremendous job and I'll concentrate on getting back into the team as a player," said Vaughan.
He added: "I still feel like the England captain because I've still got that tag by my name, but until I get myself fit and available for selection who knows what might happen?
"I'm just there in the background just in case they want me to come back as a leader. It's part of the game I've enjoyed, being a captain, but it's not the be all and end all - I just want to get back playing cricket again."
