But the Yorkshire batsman is set to miss the one-day ICC Champions Trophy tournament, which starts in Sri Lanka next week, because of a knee problem.

Vaughan missed out on his first double century for England when he was caught behind for 195 against India at The Oval.

"I'm disappointed not to get a double hundred but it was a decent ball - I could have got it on nought," he commented.

Vaughan put his more positive approach down to the influence of coach Duncan Fletcher and the standard of the wickets prepared for Tests throughout the summer.

"The wickets have been outstanding all summer. They've been very flat and I've just got myself into a good rhythm.

"When you get yourself in a good rhythm on good decks, the runs just seem to keep on flowing but I've had a little bit of luck along the way."

The task of beating Australia on home soil for the first time since 1986-87 will require England to raise their game to a new level.

"We're going to get tested, that's for sure.

"McGrath, Gillespie, Lee, Warne are a pehenomenal attack but we're going to be going there with a few runs behind us and full of considence, but we know it's going to be very, very tough," said Vaughan.

He is confident that he will be on the plane to Australia despite needing minor surgery on his knee.

"We had it scanned a few weeks ago and it showed a couple of tears in the right knee. It's just a precaution that we feel it needs cleaning out.

The England team management has, meanwhile, been criticised for refusing to allow Vaughan to give a press conference after the first day's play aginst India.

He was 182 not out but was reportedly smuggled out of the ground by security staff to avoid reporters.

Wayne Rabin, an npower spokesman, said: "As Test series sponsor we respect the team's right to be focused on winning the series.

"At the same time it is disappointing that an opportunity to promote a magnificent innings and day's cricket has been missed."