Vaughan: 'confidence is the key'

Michael Vaughan is braced for the stiffest challenge of his career in the coming 12 months, as England face up to the twin peaks of a winter tour to South Africa, followed by the most eagerly awaited Ashes series in years. But, speaking at the launch of his benefit year at Headingley, Vaughan warned that England would not be getting carried away by their recent success, and stressed that his team still had much to learn.

"I think next year's Ashes is going to be something pretty special for us all," he admitted, "but I won't bill it up to be anything bigger than what people are billing it up already. It is important that the team going to South Africa develops on the momentum of this summer."

The contrasting fortunes of the two sides have been well documented in recent weeks. On December 17, England go into the first Test at Port Elizabeth with a run of seven consecutive home wins under their belts, and 11 victories in their last 12 outings. South Africa, by contrast, have hit the skids for the first time since their readmission to Test cricket, and face a gruelling two-Test trip to India in between whiles.

But England have not won a Test series in South Africa for 40 years and only Australia, of the 10 major nations, have left victorious since South Africa returned to the Test fold in the early 1990s. "I expect it to be the toughest series we have played since they were here last year," said Vaughan. "The one thing you know is that they will be well prepared, they work very hard and have some experienced players with fantastic records. And add to that the fact they are on their home soil."

England, however, are one win away from a new national record of eight consecutive wins, and will be brimful of confidence despite a three-month break from Tests. "We have done a lot to break history over the last year or so and we are confident rather than over-confident," said Vaughan. "To beat the best teams in their own backyard you have to raise your game.

"Confidence is gained from winning and if we can win in South Africa it is bound to encourage us next summer. We are by no means the finished article. We are young, we have many years ahead of us and a hell of a lot to learn."