Vaughan edges along comeback trail

Michael Vaughan survived an early scare as he took another step on the road to recovery from a career-threatening knee injury for the England Academy in Perth.

Vaughan made nine from 21 balls but was almost out first ball after a confident lbw appeal from Western Australia 2nd XI bowler Tim McDonald.

The England captain ran well between the wickets and showed no signs of the knee injury which has dogged him.

Vaughan fielded for nearly the entire Western Australia innings.

But while all eyes were on Vaughan, it was Owais Shah who starred for the tourists.

Shah, who scored 115 from 153 balls, led England to a competitive 226 for six from their 50 overs after captain Key won the toss and elected to bat.

England started slowly, crawling to 35 for two from the first 16 overs but Shah, Ravi Bopara (42) and Jamie Dalrymple (19) hit hard late in the innings to set the home team a challenging target.

Darren Wates took three for 30 from his 10 overs while new-ball partner Mathew Inness had one for 15.

In reply, Western Australia cruised to 227 for four to win with 10 balls to spare thanks to 70 from Peter Worthington.

Jon Lewis claimed two for 44 from his five overs, while Dalrymple finished with one for 39 from his 10 and Chris Tremlett was also economical with one for 28 from 9.2 overs.