Vaughan declares himself fit

Michael Vaughan got struck on the arm during a net session but has been passed fit to play at Edgbaston © Getty Images

Michael Vaughan has declared himself fit for the crucial second npower Ashes Test at Edgbaston after coming through Wednesday morning's net session.

The England captain was a major doubt after sustaining a painful blow on his right elbow attempting a pull shot against Hampshire seamer Chris Tremlett in practice on Tuesday.

He was taken to hospital for X-rays and although they showed no fracture, he was diagnosed with heavy bruising to put his participation on Thursday in doubt.

But after receiving ice treatment overnight Vaughan successfully came through a 20-minute net at Edgbaston this morning (Wednesday) to declare himself fit and able to lead out the side as they attempt to bounce back from the 239-run opening Test defeat at Lord's.

Vaughan began his net tentatively and faced throw-downs from coach Duncan Fletcher for five minutes before moving into the spinners’ net to face Ashley Giles and Kevin Pietersen.

The big test was when he moved into the seamers’ net and although he was struck on the right hand by a rising delivery from Steve Harmison, he emerged from the session smiling and later declared himself fit.

Vaughan said: “When it happened I think I trapped a nerve and that's what caused the pain, but I've had an injection and I feel fine.

“It hit me right at the end of the elbow and when I first felt the pain I feared the worst - if it had been a break I wouldn't just have been out of this Test, I'd have been out for a while so it's something of a relief.”

The England captain confirmed they would not be making any decisions about their final line-up until after they inspect the conditions, in the morning, of an Edgbaston wicket still damp from last week's tornado.

Durham all-rounder Paul Collingwood remains in contention and is likely to battle it out with left-arm spinner Ashley Giles for the final place in England's line-up.

“We will just have to see what the conditions are like in the morning before we make any decisions,” added Vaughan. “The pitch doesn't look too bad. A lot's been spoken about it but I don't think there'll be too many gremlins in it.”