Vaughan's England set off for the Caribbean with hopes high

It is not often that an England cricket side sets off to the Caribbean with genuine hopes of winning. In fact, it was 36 years ago that a team from these shores went to the West Indies and returned victorious in the Test series. This time, though, Michael Vaughan is leading a party that has high expectations.

The players have had two months to recharge batteries since the expedition to Sri Lanka, everyone is fit and Simon Jones has been added to an attack which, unusually for England, can boast two bowlers who can top 90 miles an hour. Jones and Stephen Harmison will be needed firing on all cylinders to dent a West Indian batting line-up that cannot be blamed for their recent dip in form.

Vaughan has appreciated the time off from international cricket, but realises that this phase is behind him now. "As soon as we arrive we have to switch on and work hard in our preparation for that first Test match which I think is going to be crucial. We have to make sure that we use the two three-day games we play are used to get our key players into form, and that the bowlers have a good long bowl so that they hit the tour hard. We have been known to be slow starters, but it's important that we start this one quickly."

He likes the thought of his pace attack, but it is not just a case of giving them the ball and expecting great things to happen. Harmison missed out in Sri Lanka because of injury, and Jones is still feeling his way back after the knee problem that threatened his career.

"Harmy might need to be given a little bit of time to get back into it and Simon has only ever played one full Test. He's obviously come back well and I'm delighted to have him around the squad but let's not build him up too much. He's had a long time out of the game with a big, big injury and he might take time to adjust to international cricket once again."

This is a young side, but there is a core of experience in the batting with Mark Butcher, Graham Thorpe and Nasser Hussain survivors from the last tour. That could prove to be vital. "Having those three on the tour is going to be a massive advantage for the team and also for me as captain. Their records speak volumes for them so I'm delighted to have all three of them on the trip and their experience is going to be crucial."

Vaughan remains optimistic, but he is approaching the tour with the level head that marks him out as a sensible leader. This is a big tour for him. Since becoming England captain, he drew the series with South Africa, beat Bangladesh as expected before just losing out in Sri Lanka. A win in the Caribbean would give him a very important scalp in international cricket.