England improving as a one-day unit - Vaughan

Michael Vaughan has confirmed his interest in taking over the one-day captaincy from Nasser Hussain, insisting that he believes the future is bright for England in the limited-overs game.

Vaughan returned from South Africa with the rest of the squad this morning after their elimination from the World Cup and a disappointing Ashes tour.

Speaking at Manchester Airport, Vaughan said: "I seriously think we have come on leaps and bounds, not just over the tour but the last two years. When Australia came here in 1999 and played us in one-day cricket they hammered us in every single game.

"Three out of the last five games we have played them in one-day cricket we should have come out on top. You just see what they are doing to other teams in world cricket. So to get near to Australia in a few games is quite a good achievement."

Vaughan has little experience of captaincy, but would relish the challenge of leading England in one-day games.

"The only way to find out is by having a go," he said. "The best way to learn and gain experience is by going out and doing it. I am up for the challenge. If the selectors sit down and offer me the job there is no way I can refuse.

"At the moment I am physically and mentally drained from a long winter, so the next six weeks I am going to sit down and work out a few things. Within those six weeks if I get offered the job I am going to take it.

"But there are going to be plenty of candidates, not just within the team but outside the team. The selectors are going to have a hard job and will have to make some tough decisions. Obviously, if they offer it to me I would be delighted.

"It's been a good winter and the Test matches against Australia went really well," he added. "I am reasonably happy with the way I played. To get knocked out of the World Cup and not reach the Super Sixes is a bitter disappointment as it is a spectacular event.

"I would love still to be in South Africa. But it has been a long haul after leaving in October and I am looking forward to seeing family and friends."

Lancashire's James Anderson intends taking his game further after a rapid rise through the ranks. He won two watches for man-of-the-match performances.

"They are going on the mantelpiece when I get home," Anderson said. "I didn't know what to expect, but being around the team has been incredible. The atmosphere everywhere was unbelievable.

"I tried to enjoy every minute, the only shame was we had a disappointing finish. Now it is important I build on what I have learned. The senior players were all very helpful. I have got to keep trying to improve and keep working on my action."