Vaughan upbeat despite form

England skipper in good spirits ahead of Test opener

By Joe Drabble   Last updated: 12th May 2008

Michael Vaughan out

Vaughan: Poor form

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Test captain Michael Vaughan insists he is confident he can rediscover his batting form during the upcoming Test series against New Zealand.

Vaughan has struggled for form in the build-up to the series - mustering just 135 runs in seven innings for Yorkshire during the start of the 2008 domestic season.

If ever there is a venue where Vaughan is likely to regain his for it is Lord's - the 33-year-old has registered five of his 17 Test hundreds at the home of cricket.

While the Yorkshireman admits he is under pressure, he also believes he has added another dimension to his game since he last took to the crease against the Black Caps in Napier in March.

Tricky

"I actually feel quite good," said Vaughan.

"Obviously, I haven't got the big score. I would have loved to have got a big hundred for Yorkshire but I feel I have done the hard work by getting in at Headingley - that is usually the tricky part - on four occasions.

"I have got out on those four occasions but I feel I have picked up a bit of rhythm in somewhat tricky conditions.

"I am not in too bad spirits at all because I feel I have found something I lost in that last game at Napier."

Capable

Vaughan fell cheaply twice despite England completing a 2-1 series win over the Black Caps during the spring.

However, England selector Geoff Miller is adamant Vaughan will show his undoubted class as he and his team-mates look to record back-to-back series wins over the Kiwis.

"We know he is capable of scoring runs," said Miller. "We think a score is just around the corner and when that happens, all the speculation will disappear."