Vaughan: I was lucky to be given new England contract

Former England captain Michael Vaughan admits he was 'lucky' to have been awarded a central contract for the next year.

There had been doubts the 33-year-old would be among the players given new 12-month deals due to his poor form this season.

Vaughan resigned as England skipper last month after defeat in the third Test against South Africa and then opted out of the final match of the series.

He now intends to fight for his place as a batsman but admits runs have been in short supply lately.

Vaughan told BBC Radio Five Live's Sportsweek programme: 'The central contract is a huge bonus, if I am honest I think I am lucky. 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.'

Vaughan is hoping for some big scores in Yorkshire's final two matches of the season to win a place in squad to tour India this winter.

Beyond that, he would also relish the chance to play in an another Ashes series next summer - but accepts time is running out for him to win back a place.

Vaughan memorably led England to victory on Australia's last visit in 2005 but missed the 2006-07 series Down Under due to injury.

He said: 'I need some runs. That's not something I am desperate to do, I'm just going to try to let it happen.

'Sometimes if you are too desperate to do something it goes further and further away from you.'

He added: 'I haven't played that well in the last couple of months but form is temporary, the element of class will also be there.

'I have just got to get back to that form. The fitness is as good as it has been for a long while.

'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.