Vaughan in doubt for finals

England face a nervous wait on the fitness of captain Michael Vaughan as he races against time to ensure his hamstring is alright ahead of Friday’s first final at the MCG.

Vaughan had reported a slight soreness in his hamstring after Tuesday’s stirring win in Brisbane. England’s victory had been accredited to Vaughan’s astute field placings and intelligent bowling rotations. His absence would be a severe blow as England try to upset the home side and heavy favourites, Australia.

“It’s a little touch and go,” he said.

“I’ll work with (physio) Dean (Conway) and hopefully be fine for Friday.”

Coach Duncan Fletcher said every precaution would be taken to have the skipper fit and ready for the World Cup.

“He just felt his hamstring again. There is a chance that you can feel it again after an injury,” he said.

“We will look at the World Cup, it is the more important of the two at the moment, so we will be cautious with Michael Vaughan.”

“It is very difficult for me to rate him. I can only go what the physical and medical people have to say.”

Vaughan also told the media that his side would have to maintain the same level of intensity leading up to the first final in Melbourne, if they would have any chance of beating Australia.

“I don’t think you can play with too much of a free spirit in the final, you are playing Australia at the MCG – it is going to be a full house of 90,000 people,” he said.

“The lads have got to take the momentum from the last two performances and play good basic cricket.”