Vaughan returns to England captaincy

Michael Vaughan has been given the chance to re-establish himself at international level after being named as England's captain for the one-day triangular series against Australia and New Zealand.

The 32-year-old batsman has been out for the last year with recurring knee problems which forced him to miss this winter's Ashes. But after months of rehabilitation Vaughan has been named captain for both the Twenty20 international against Australia, and the one-day series to follow.

Chairman of selectors David Graveney believes Vaughan's presence can lift the whole squad, saying: "It will be a fantastic boost for everyone to have Michael Vaughan back as captain for the one-day series."

He added: "His leadership experience will be invaluable as we prepare for a tough series against an excellent Australian team.

"It is to Andrew Flintoff's credit that he was prepared to take on the responsibility of leading the Test side in Australia in Michael's absence.

"But Michael is the England captain and he will now begin the task of preparing the team for the challenges that lie ahead this winter."

Vaughan - who has a disappointing one-day average of 28.36 from 74 appearances - has not played a major international match since the final Test against Pakistan in Lahore in December 2005, while his last one-day international was against Australia at the Oval five months prior to that.

He will lead an inexperienced squad with only five players - himself, Flintoff, Andrew Strauss, James Anderson and Paul Collingwood - with more than 50 caps.

Providing he comes through the one-day series over the next few weeks, Vaughan should be assured the captaincy for the World Cup in West Indies starting in March.