Vaughan is not in the 16-man squad named for the Ashes series

Vaughan was quoted as saying there was a chance he could be fit for the final two Tests in Melbourne and Sydney.

"We will wait and see what squad they bring, and if some of what has been suggested about him playing in the Ashes has been a smokescreen.

"To us, this news wasn't unexpected," Buchanan commented.

Vaughan has not played international cricket for 11 months because of a knee injury, having had to abort a comeback for his county side, Yorkshire, in order to undergo surgery.

606 MESSAGEBOARD After two unsuccessful attempts to return from this injury, Vaughan won't be rushed now Martin G Read more and have your say

His original target was to play in the one-day series in Australia which follows the Ashes Tests, but is now running again and fit enough to take part in golf's Dunhill Links Championship this week.

England's chairman of selectors David Graveney said Vaughan's remarks had been taken out of context and there was a long way to go before he would be available for selection.

But he admitted: "Plans are in place - they are not for public consumption - and they will be activated when he is passed fit."

Australia, meanwhile, have been relying on updates about Vaughan's condition from fast bowler Jason Gillespie, who spent most of the summer playing for Yorkshire.

"We haven't been doing any specific scouting of him, but I have spoken to Jason a few times," Buchanan told the Sydney Morning Herald.

"A fit Vaughan is important to England, not just as a batsman, but also in the way he leads. I'm sure he'll do everything he can to play in the Ashes."