Ponting v Vaughan

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Michael Vaughan has developed a winning side while Ricky Ponting inherited a team that was used to beating all-comers. Now both captains square up in their first Ashes series as captain.

The similarities don't end there. Vaughan has just moved up to No. 3 in the England order, a position Ponting has filled with distinction, while both players can take a bowling attack apart with scorching cover-drives and thunderous pull strokes.

On the 2002-03 Ashes tour Vaughan amassed 633 runs in the five Tests, including three centuries, and was man of the series, despite England losing 4-1, while Ponting's average against England is 41 - 15 runs lower than his career mark. But since taking over the Australian captaincy he has averaged 59.

Vaughan has shown signs of developing ruthless streak in his game, while Ponting is very conscious of improving the image of the Australia side. They both talk a good game and the question is can Vaughan prevent old scars opening up or will Ponting have the same success as Mark Taylor and Steve Waugh in Ashes Tests?