Vaughan captained England in 51 Test matches

Former England captain Michael Vaughan has admitted he was lucky to be handed a 12-month central contract by the England and Wales Cricket Board.

Vaughan, 33, resigned as skipper after defeat in the fourth Test against South Africa at Edgbaston in early August.

Since then his form has been patchy for Yorkshire as he aims to fight his way back into the England squad.

Vaughan told the BBC: "The central contract is a huge bonus, if I am honest I think I am lucky."

He was one of 12 players to be handed a new contract, despite his poor form.

Vaughan told Radio 5 Live's Sportsweek programme: "I haven't got the runs properly to justify that position. I think it has shown a hell of a lot of faith.

"But over the last year and a half I have had some excellent innings. I have had some good times with the bat not too long ago.

"I think they have just repaid the fact that if I get back into form I think I can still play a huge part in the England cricket team."

Yorkshire have two more matches this season with Vaughan looking for big scores to win a place in the England winter squad, which is touring India later in the year.

He also has an eye on next summer's Ashes and has a healthy average of 47 against Australia.

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He added: "I want to play for England - that is my goal over the next 12 months, to make sure I get that one last crack.

"I know it will be the last crack because you don't get a second crack when you get to the age of 33, 34.

"It will be one last chance to hopefully go out there and try to score some Test hundreds."