Vaughan backs England for Ashes

England's injured captain, Michael Vaughan, has backed his side to retain the Ashes this winter, whether or not he is deemed fit enough to take part in the series.

Vaughan, who hasn't played for England since undergoing knee surgery in December, has not yet given up hope of a role against Australia. But, he told Sky Sports: "I'm very confident in whoever leads the team to produce a fantastic winter ahead and make sure we retain the Ashes."

England's results this year have been patchy, and Vaughan admitted: "There is always a slight worry it will take time to adjust to international cricket but the guys who have come in have done really well. You need that bit of luck but if you work hard you get that. The team will do everything in their power to try to emulate last summer."

"It is going to be a fantastic series," he added, having last summer guided England to their first Ashes victory in 18 barren years. "If we can emulate anything like the series last year it should be a great spectacle."

Vaughan is likely to have missed a whole year of international cricket by the time his knee is strong enough to resume playing, but he remained determined to come through the hard times. "I am determined to get back on a cricket pitch sooner rather than later," he said. "If that is December or January, or if not, I've got to be patient.

"But I'm determined to make sure that does happen. I'm training for a number of hours each week to make sure that does happen."