This is what I live for - Vaughan

24 May 2007

Michael Vaughan tests his recently recovered finger in the nets ahead of the second Test

Michael Vaughan admits he returns to captain England in a Test after an 18-month absence under pressure for his place.

Vaughan, 32, leads his country against West Indies at his county headquarters of Headingley Carnegie having last fulfilled the role in Lahore in December 2005.

His most recent international on home soil, in fact, was the Ashes-clinching draw with Australia at the Brit Oval in September 2005.

Vaughan has been plagued by a succession of injuries during his lengthy absence, most recently the broken finger which kept him out of the first Test at Lord’s.

Had Andrew Flintoff not failed a fitness test on Wednesday, the England selectors would have been forced to drop Paul Collingwood or Ian Bell, who both hit hundreds last week, to accommodate Vaughan.

"If Freddie had been fit it would have been a tricky selection," said Vaughan.

"You are always under pressure playing international cricket - that is what I live for and why I want to play this week.

"I know I need some runs and I am pretty confident I can get a few."

A broken right middle finger denied his participation in last week's stalemate and the delay has only served to promote extra nerves.

Vaughan laughs off the idea that he is a 'special case'

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"The first day of any Test match you have nerves but when you've had a bit of a break like I have it almost feels like you are starting again," Vaughan said.

"It does feel like a fresh start and like being at the beginning again. But I am very excited about getting out there and playing again.

"What I do have is a lot of fond memories and a lot to draw back on.

“If I can re-live my net form in the middle, get over that tricky half an hour, like in any innings, I am sure I can get a few runs this week."

Vaughan plays despite not testing his fitness in a county match, a situation he accepts is far from ideal.

Responding to suggestions he has become a ‘special case’, Vaughan joked: "Are you going to start calling me Jose?" making reference to Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho, the self-titled 'special one'.

"I am England captain, I have made myself available for selection and I've been selected.

"Surely that is a positive thing? I want to play cricket. Yes, in a wonderful world I would have liked to have had a four-day game behind me, but that is not the case."