Vaughan struggling for fitness for tri-series final

SYDNEY, Feb 6 (Reuters) Skipper Michael Vaughan is struggling to be fit for England's tri-series final with Australia starting on Friday in Melbourne.

Vaughan's hamstring injury, which has kept him out for most of the one-day series with Australia and New Zealand, is still causing him discomfort.

''It's a little touch and go. I'll work with (physio) Dean (Conway) and hopefully be fine for Friday,'' he told Sky Sports News after guiding England to a 14-run victory over New Zealand today to secure their place in the final.

Vaughan missed the entire 5-0 Ashes series defeat against Australia with a long-standing knee injury.

He returned for a tri-series victory, again over the Kiwis, but broke down again with the hamstring injury which kept him out for three weeks until Tuesday.

England, whose form has been wretched throughout their tour of Australia which started in November, won their final two matches of the tri-series to qualify for the final.

World champions Australia, however, are firm favourites to win the best-of-three-match final. They will defend the World Cup in the Caribbean in March and April.

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