Vaughan missed the first Test with a knee injury

In his first county match of the year, Vaughan made 32 from 62 balls on a tough pitch. He appeared untroubled by his left knee, but was then run out.

The England skipper batted at three for Yorkshire and hinted he may also bat down the order against New Zealand.

He and coach Duncan Fletcher have been left to make a decision on the line-up.

England squad: Strauss replaces Hussain

Chief of selectors David Graveney confirmed: "Michael Vaughan is the captain of England and it is his responsibility to decide the batting line-up."

"We as selectors have given our view but it is down to Michael Vaughan and Duncan Fletcher to decide."

Vaughan has opened the batting in 31 of his 44 Tests, averaging 49.70 compared to 33.95 down the order.

It is possible that a compromise could be reached, with Vaughan going to three and Mark Butcher moving down to number four Jonathan Agnew's view

But since taking over the captaincy last July he has only managed an average of 33.91, and has faced calls to fill to space at four left by Nasser Hussain's retirement.

In his absence, debutant Andrew Strauss and Marcus Trescothick formed an effective opening partnership, putting on 190 in the first innings at Lord's.

"It's important that the captain bats where he wants to," veteran Graham Thorpe told BBC Five Live after England confirmed their 13-man squad.

"As leader of the team it's important your state of mind is ideal."