Vaughan backs Rankin for England's 'return Ashes' squad

Former England captain Michael Vaughan has said that he expected Irishman Boyd Rankin to be named in the squad for the return Ashes series.

England is due to name their touring party early next week, and Rankin, uncapped at Test level, has reportedly come into contention with his Australian batsmen-troubling performance during the ODI series defeat and may have been groomed for an Ashes place.

According to News.com.au, Rankin was called up for England's three-day warm-up match against Essex on the eve of this summer's 3-0 Ashes success and subsequently made his Twenty20 and one-day international debuts in English colours.

Stating that he has been 'immensely impressed' with Rankin, Vaughan said that he believes that Rankin will be pushing for a place in the Ashes squad, maybe ahead of Chris Tremlett as he is bowling with an amount of pace, bowling in the right areas and troubling the Australian batsmen.

Meanwhile, Vaughan also said that he believes that England needs to add Graham Onions to their squad for the return Ashes series because if James Anderson is injured, Onions can take his place as he is a consistent length bowler, adding that he also believes that England will take Steven Finn who is a work in progress.

Stating that he would not be surprised if the return Ashes is decided by fine margins, Vaughan further said that he thinks that Australia will tailor pitches to suit their fast bowlers, adding that he is wary that coach Darren Lehmann has introduced plans to worry England.

However, Vaughan also said that Australia needs to get off to a great start if they want to win, adding that England knows how to win the key moments.