We need characters - Vaughan

The England captain has delivered a fierce defence of left-arm spinner Panesar from critics who believe his energetic display of appealing during last week's third Test victory over West Indies at Old Trafford was in danger of breaching the players' code of conduct.

"We're in a position of maybe taking characters out of the game," warned Vaughan. "We all love Monty Panesar. He appeals, he celebrates with a high-five and misses the odd high-five and he's brilliant for the game."

Panesar became the first England spinner in a decade to claim a 10-wicket haul as the West Indies slumped to a 60-run defeat on a wearing final day wicket which prompted plenty of appeals for lbw and bat-pad catches.

He was spoken to on a couple of occasions by umpire Aleem Dar, who tried to calm him down, but escaped a charge and a hearing in front of match referee Alan Hurst.

It was a sensible way of diffusing the tense situation on the final day, but Vaughan is wary of this week's criticism and the impact it may have in the future.

"If it gets too much and his appealing with every ball then maybe we'll say something then," Vaughan added. "But at the minute he's a young lad having fun, bowling brilliantly and entertaining a lot of people so let him continue."

Vaughan as his captain, though, is quite happy to see Monty continue in the same manner knowing England stand far more chance of taking wickets than if he becomes more introverted and afraid to appeal.

"Monty is very approachable and if you tell him to calm it down a bit he will do, but he's an excitable character," said Vaughan. "He's good for the game and he's good for everyone.

"It's a lot better having someone who is appealing too much than someone who doesn't appeal at all because you know he's creating chances."