England captain key to series outcome

Michael Vaughan's habit of stringing big scores together may make him a good bet for the series top runscorer © Getty Images

Having won the Ashes for the first time in 18 years, Michael Vaughan is one of the most popular England captains in history, but while his team has grown around him, his form with the bat has left something to be desired.

His average of 43 is more than decent, but he averages just 40 in his past 20 Tests and when you think that he averaged more than 50 after the series in Australia just a couple of years ago, it is easy to see that he is not quite on top form. Nevertheless, he will be a key factor if England are to maintain their momentum in Pakistan, and later in India, this winter.

Vaughan´s average is actually better on foreign soil than in England, with his mark rising to 44.88, but he hasn´t played against Pakistan in Pakistan, so there is not much we can read into that. However, he enjoyed the two matches he played against Inzamam´s team in England, averaging 55 and smashing 120 at Old Trafford.

When Vaughan is on form, he is one of the most elegant and one of the best batsmen in the world and rumours that the three Test venues will have more pace than on previous tours should help him as he plays fast bowling superbly.

The big question is whether he will be allowed to concentrate on his batting enough to perform at his best or whether the demands of the captaincy, in a country that has more than its share of problems, will affect him.

Vaughan backers won´t need reminding this but the England captain loves to make big scores and has a habit of stringing them together. So if he makes a big score early on, don´t be afraid to back him next time out.