Vaughan relishing MCC chance

Michael Vaughan is looking forward to plenty of batting time when he plays two matches for an MCC XI in Australia.

The former England captain will be on duty in the MCC matches while the fourth and fifth Tests take place.

"I am really looking forward to playing these matches for MCC," Vaughan said. "I have been pleased with my rehabilitation, but there is no substitute for actually playing. Any time I can spend in the middle in between now and January 12 will be extremely useful."

Vaughan has been included in a 16-man England squad to compete in the triangular tournament against Australia and New Zealand in the new year, which forms the tourists' last meaningful competition prior to the start of the World Cup in March.

However the 32-year-old has played little competitive cricket since suffering a recurrence of his long-standing knee problems in India in the early part of 2006.

Vaughan has spent several weeks undergoing rehabilitation with the England Academy squad in Perth and considers himself close to full fitness, which will be tested in the MCC matches against a Swan Richards XI at Buleen on December 29 and against a Bradman Foundation XI at Bowral on January 5.

England's first match of the triangular Commonwealth Bank Series is on January 12 against Australia in Melbourne.