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Injury rules Vaughan out of Ashes

Vaughan's future is uncertain after a further operation.

LONDON, England -- England captain Michael Vaughan has been ruled out of this Ashes series in Australia later this year following knee surgery.

Vaughan, 31, underwent a fourth operation on his troublesome right knee earlier this week and has been advised by a specialist not to rush his comeback.

His absence is a further blow to England's injury-hit squad who have suffered a string of disappointing results since winning back the Ashes in a thrilling series last summer.

Vaughan's captaincy was considered a major element in the team's success and the England and Wales Cricket Board said on Thursday that they hoped the Yorkshireman would be fit to lead them in the 2007 World Cup in March and April.

To do so, though, would almost certainly be dependent on Vaughan taking part in England's one-day matches against Australia and New Zealand in the new year.

England have used four different captains in international cricket since November 2005 and Andrew Strauss will undertake leadership duties for the first Test against Pakistan next week.

Andrew Flintoff is set to captain England for the five-Test Ashes campaign - fitness permitting - with the opening contest in Brisbane beginning on November 23.

In addition to Vaughan, England are currently missing Flintoff (ankle), Ashley Giles (hip), Simon Jones (knee) and James Anderson (back) from the 13-men named in Ashes squads last summer.

Vaughan, who has not played for England since returning home early from the tour of India in February, had the latest operation on his right knee on Monday.

He also misses the home series against Pakistan, which begins next week, and the ICC Champions Trophy in India starting in October.

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