Vaughan happy to be back

Michael Vaughan returns to action in Perth © Getty Images

Buy this photo

Michael Vaughan was disappointed with his duck but delighted to be playing again without serious discomfort as he returned from injury for the England Academy XI at South Perth on Wednesday.

Vaughan, England captain until recurring knee problems and surgery interrupted his tenure late last year, played his first match since a midsummer operation as he seeks to prove his return to fitness.

The Yorkshire batsman is hoping to be available to England again early next year - although some more optimistic reports have suggested he could yet feature in the ongoing Ashes series.

He hopes to play again in next Wednesday's clash against the Western Australian second XI.

The 32-year-old said: “It’s a huge positive to me that I am back on the field playing cricket.

“Obviously it is slightly disappointing I didn’t get any runs - but to be honest, today was all about getting back to playing cricket."

“It is the early stages of the comeback, but six months ago I never thought I would get back to the stage of playing cricket again."

“It was a really tough time. Thankfully I've got to this stage - and next week I hope get a few runs and spend a little bit more time in the middle."

Michael Vaughan back at the crease again © Getty Images

Buy this photo

Although admitting to feeling pain during the match while fielding, Vaughan said his comeback is going as planned and that he will continue in his bid to return to full fitness.

“I only felt a little bit (of pain). But it's my first game back - that’s why I only fielded for 35 overs."

“Over the next few days I will be having plenty of practice, plenty of middle practice - and I hope to play a full part in next Wednesday's game.”

Vaughan fulfilled his fielding duties in three stints at Richardson Park and then found himself coming in at number four in pursuit of 218 for eight in a match reduced by rain to 44 overs per side.

Vaughan began his day in the field, interchanging between third man and mid-on - before taking a breather in the 12th over of WA's innings.

He re-emerged 10 minutes later, spent a further 30 minutes watching from the sidelines - and then returned to the field for more than an hour before resting for the last 45 minutes of WA's innings.

The extended breaks appeared pre-planned, with Vaughan moving freely when on the field.

The Academy made a shaky start to their run chase - and Vaughan was at the crease by the fifth over of the innings with his team on four for two.

Vaughan dealt with five Ben Edmondson deliveries - leaving three and blocking two - but was out next over when he edged pace bowler Darren Wates to wicket-keeper Christian Moir.