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Miller: Vaughan awarded contract on merit

10/09/2008

Michael Vaughan wasn't given a central contract in recognition of his past endeavours as England captain, according to national selector Geoff Miller.

Critics have argued that England's most successful ever captain was given a central contract for his past achievements in his international career, with some arguing he doesn't have a future in international cricket.

The 33-year-old gave up the captaincy after a torrid time with the bat against South Africa and he has so far failed to find any kind of form since returning to his county Yorkshire. But Miller is convinced Vaughan can still make a comeback to international cricket.

"Michael Vaughan has been an integral part of the team for a while now," said Miller."He's an experienced player and still has a lot to offer England. He has been out of nick, and he appreciates that himself.

"But we've not set a precedent here. It's happened before. We're confident he can get his game back together because we have some big series' coming up in the next year or so. We're rewarding him but not just for what he's done in the past, for what he's capable of doing.

"It's not just about technique. It's about how mentally strong he is and about how he is physically. We'll take all those things into consideration."

Vaughan has not been selected for any of England's one-day or Twenty20 games for over a year and it is thought that selectors are only eyeing up a place for him in the side for next summer's Ashes series.

The Yorkshire batsman has an excellent record against the mighty Australians, hitting 959 runs at an average of close to 48 against the old enemy.