Vaughan May Not Play Again
England’s inspirational captain Michael Vaughan admits he may not play again following recent surgery on his right knee.
Vaughan, 31, has not played for his country since a recurrence of his knee problems in India in February.
A despondent Vaughan said: “I have to be realistic. I’ve read I might never play again - and that might be the case.”
“I have real hope I’ll get better. I believe there’ll be another day when I will take to the field in an England shirt,” said the Ashes-winning captain.
Vaughan led England to their first Ashes triumph for 18 years in 2005 but has missed Test series against India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan.
More surgery has ruled him out of the return Ashes series in Australia but he aims to play in the limited-overs games that follow.
But he added: “There are no guarantees. There is an area of the knee that’s very worn - and there was a split in the cartilage.”
“They tell me the operation has been successful, but they’ll only know for certain after rehab.”
“But I’m going to hang on to that dream.”
England chairman of selectors David Graveney has backed Vaughan to fight back from his injury woes.
“He’s a determined character and if he can come back, he will come back,” said Vaughan.
“There is no doubt the rehabilitation programme he is on is a very long haul for him and anyone would find it very frustrating to go through what he’s been through.”
“I’m sure he is very frustrated at not being able to play for England but he is a strong character and I’m sure he’ll do everything possible to come back.”
