Moxon plays down Vaughan fears

Michael Vaughan reaches 50 on a day when Yorkshire were beaten convincingly

England captain Michael Vaughan is having treatment on a stiff right knee - but Yorkshire insist the problem will not affect his availability to face South Africa in the first npower Test at Lord’s.

Vaughan has undergone four operations on the joint, but Yorkshire director of cricket Martyn Moxon allayed fears of a serious problem, reporting there is “no danger” of Vaughan missing the Test, which starts next Thursday.

Vaughan, who will disclose the nature of a series of “niggles” later this week, was seen to flex his knee occasionally during a fine innings of 72 today in Yorkshire’s eight-wicket LV County Championship Division One defeat by Durham at Headingley Carnegie.

Instead of taking the field for the final session after tea, he had ice treatment on his knee.

Moxon said: “It is difficult for me to say too much, but Michael has a few aches and pains which he will speak about at the press conference [later this week].

“His knee is a little bit sore. But there is no danger of him missing the Test match, and he will explain things more fully on Friday.”

England had already confirmed Vaughan will not play in Yorkshire’s Friends Provident Trophy semi-final against Essex at Chelmsford on Saturday, when the hosts’ Alastair Cook and Ravi Bopara will take part.

Moxon believes Vaughan proved during his half-century today that he is batting well, as he prepares to face South Africa.

Steve Harmison targets Adam Lyth during a spell which drew high praise from Martyn Moxon

“I think Michael is in great touch, and there is no reason to believe he will not make runs for England,” he said.

Moxon also praised Durham’s out-of-favour England fast bowler Steve Harmison for a 12-over stint which got rid of both Vaughan and Adam Lyth (80) and put Durham in complete control of the match.

“Harmison is always a threat and he proved to be so this morning by knocking our two main batsmen over,” said the former Durham coach.

“It is always nice to have someone with that ability in the team. He leaked a few runs. But he was not too bothered because he wanted wickets - and he got them.

“I think it is good that England have always got someone in their back pocket of his pace and bounce who can take wickets - and it is up to the selectors what they do.”

Yorkshire captain Darren Gough added that Harmison remains as quick a bowler as batsmen will face in this country.

Gough conceded Yorkshire were beaten by a better team, while pointing out that Durham enjoyed the better of the conditions.

“It was a good toss for them to win, but I have no excuses to offer,” he said. “We should have scored about 250 after being put in, instead of being bowled out for 184.”