England are keeping fingers crossed that captain Michael Vaughan will be fit to return to action against New Zealand in Brisbane on Tuesday.Vaughan has been out of action since suffering a torn hamstring against the Kiwis three weeks ago.
But a team spokesman said: "He has had three days of intensive training.
"Should he be able to get through Monday's practice session then fitness-wise he will have done enough work to make himself available."
Having the 32-year-old available would be a major boost to England's chances of beating New Zealand and qualifying for the best of three tri-series final against Australia.
It would, however, present the tour selectors with a dilemma as Vaughan opened the batting in the two matches he played prior to suffering the injury.
To allow him to do so again would mean dropping Ed Joyce or Mal Loye down the order, or in the case of Loye, who is a specialist one-day opener, leaving him out of the team altogether.
606 DEBATE: How will England fare in Brisbane?
It is unlikely England would want to disturb Joyce as he has made scores of 66 and 109 at the top of the order in the last two games.
If Vaughan returns, he will do in a side buoyed by Friday's 92-run win over Australia - their first win of the tour against the hosts.
Assistant coach Matthew Maynard led a team sing-song in the dressing room after the match.
"Everyone was a lot more relaxed and obviously that first beer is a lot sweeter than when you've been beaten," said fast bowler Liam Plunkett.
"It was really enjoyable to be in there. Everyone just came together, it was a really good feeling."
No comments:
Post a Comment