Vaughan delighted with Johnnie Walker Super Series selection

England captain Michael Vaughan believes the selection of seven England players in the squads for the Johnnie Walker Super Series is a timely boost ahead of this summer's Ashes series.

"It's a great achievement to be selected in the squad of 30 and it's fantastic to see seven English players involved in the Test and ODI squads," said Vaughan on hearing of his selection for the ICC World XI Test squad.

"It's a great incentive to try and get into the squad of 20 and then into the final 13. I'll be trying to have a good summer against the Aussies to try and push myself into that final 13.

"To get into the final squad we're going to have to play well against Australia. Goals are important and there's an ultimate goal to aim for there."

Vaughan is one of four England players selected for the ICC World XI Test squad. Andrew Flintoff, Steve Harmison and Andrew Strauss are in the frame for the Super Test in Sydney while Flintoff, Darren Gough, Kevin Pietersen and Marcus Trescothick are all in the ICC World XI Test squad.

"It's a testament to how Pietersen has played since he came into the England team," said Vaughan.

"To score three centuries in South Africa was a great achievement. For him to get into the ODI squad of 30 is a great effort, as it is too for Andrew Strauss who is in the Test squad. He hasn't played that many games either so for Strauss to get into the 30 is a huge boost to him and just goes to show how well he's played since he got into the England team."

Vaughan also praised the longevity of his former Yorkshire colleague Darren Gough.

"The enthusiasm Goughy has at the minute tells me that there is plenty of juice in his tank and I know he's as eager as ever to play well and make sure he continues to perform to the standards that he has set himself," he said.

The inaugural Johnnie Walker Super Series will pit world champion Australia against ICC World XI Test and One-Day teams in the three One-Day Internationals at Melbourne's Telstra Dome and a six-day Super Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

The final squads of 13 players for the Super Test and 14 for the ODIs, plus management and coaching appointments, will be confirmed in August.

Combined prize money and match payments for the one-day series will be US$ 1.254 million, while the total money available for the Super Test will be US$ 1.390 million. The matches will be accorded official Test and ODI status.