By Clare Connor Captain, England women's cricket team

Michael Vaughan's 86 runs in the semi-final of the Champions Trophy against Australia could not have come at a more opportune time.

Not only for the team, who so desperately needed to fulfil the hopes of a nation, but for his own peace of mind.

Vaughan relaxes a day after conquering the mighty Aussies

For not only had England failed to record a win over the Aussies in a one-day international for five years, the skipper himself had endured such poor one-day form with the bat that questions were starting to be asked of his abilities to construct a one-day innings at all.

A paltry average of 23 in one-day cricket for England has provoked comments about whether he would make the side at all, if he were not captain.

Whilst Duncan Fletcher and Vaughan himself had dismissed the issue with positive team speak about England's improvements under Vaughan's leadership, it must have been a worrying time for the man himself.

I too am coming through a very similar situation and believe me, it is tough and does lead to enormous self-doubt.

All faith in the basics of batting and one's reliance on a sound technique fall by the wayside.

Rash, unconventional strokes creep in too early on in the innings; you find it hard to judge length and feel as if the simplest shot is beyond you.

As captain, it is difficult sometimes to admit that you are struggling, yet all around you can see it for themselves.

The solution? Time to yourself, in the nets and away from them, is essential.

Talking to mentors and coaches about keeping it simple; even time with the sports psychologist to remind you of past successes, the need to be relaxed, and clear in the mind in terms of your game plan.

As captain, such time is hard to find.

The Australian aura of invincibility has been pierced and that is huge in terms of preparing for the Ashes Clare Connor

Even during our international tours, which are by no means as demanding in terms of press and public expectation, I find it hard to find time to address my own game.

For Vaughan, it must have been nigh on impossible. Thankfully, he seems to have put it behind him and made a statement against the reigning World Champions. Hopefully, he won't look back.

The win against Australia and the subsequent place in the final of this tournament cap off an awesome summer for Vaughan and his men. The Australian aura of invincibility has been pierced and that is huge in terms of preparing for the Ashes next summer.

England have had a taste of victory against Australia, albeit in a one-dayer and now know that nothing is beyond them.

The England Women's team, incidentally, are similarly placed.

Having beaten reigning World Champions New Zealand this summer, ending their run of 17 one-day victories over us, we will head to South Africa for our World Cup in March stronger in the knowledge of what we have achieved.

In the past 18 months we have emerged unbeaten in four series and are now ranked at 2 in the world. We too may have to conquer the Aussies next - hopefully in the World Cup final.