NEWS

Cricket World Cup 2007>
Vaughan rules out any injury worry
06th Mar 2007  22.31 IST
By Agencies  


England captain Michael Paul Vaughan has brushed aside talks of new injury worries despite having an ice-pack applied to his hamstring during his side's 241-run victory over Bermuda.

Vaughan missed almost the entire 2006 season because of injury and returned as England captain in January for the tri-series in Australia.

''There's nothing to read into the fact that I have an ice-pack on my hamstring,'' Vaughan told BBC Five Live after England shot out their opponents for just 45 runs in chase of 286.

''I have an ice pack on most parts of my body these days. I'm pleased that I've come through. 'I felt good while I was batting. I'd have liked to have had a bit more time in the middle but the plan was always for me to spend 10 overs in the field,'' said Vaughan, who made just 18 runs off 15 balls.

The 32-year-old right-hander also confirmed that Ed Joyce would open with him in Friday's game against Australia, meaning Andrew Strauss will again miss out.

''That's what we have gone with today and unless things change dramatically it will be what we will be going in with in the game against Australia on Friday,'' he said.

He admitted it would be difficult to pick the seamers for their tournament opener against New Zealand on March 16.

''It was tricky to gauge on who did what today but it's going to be a hard shoot-out to see who gets those positions. 'It gives us a headache but it's a nice headache.''

England were given a brief scare in their own innings by burly Bermuda spinner Dwayne Leverock.

Vaughan paid tribute to the 20-stone policeman, who dismissed Paul Collingwood and Kevin Pietersen in quick succession.

''He bowled very well. Any spinner that drags Kevin Pietersen out of his crease and does him in the flight is a good bowler,'' said the England captain.

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