England captain Michael Vaughan has been ruled out of the Ashes tour of Australia after a fourth operation on his right knee, the BBC reported on Thursday.
The Yorkshire batsman went under the knife on Monday, still clinging to the hope that he could be fit in time to lead England on the tour, which begins in November.
But according to the BBC, the surgery revealed more extensive damage to the joint than expected — a development that will intensify fears that Vaughan’s career could effectively be over.
Vaughan has not played for England since being forced to return home early from the tour of India in March.
He attempted a comeback for Yorkshire last month but the injury flared up again and he was advised that further surgery was necessary.
Vaughan last year skippered England to their first series victory over Australia in nearly two decades and has been desperate to lead the side’s bid to retain the Ashes.
The England and Wales Cricket Board on Thursday confirmed Vaughan’s condition. — AFP
