ENGLAND captain Michael Vaughan has been ruled out of this winter's Ashes series following knee surgery.

Vaughan, 31, underwent surgery on his right knee for the fourth time on Monday in a bid to resurrect his career at the top level and has been advised by a specialist to not rush his comeback.

He has therefore been ruled out of the five Tests Down Under, although the England and Wales Cricket Board are still hopeful he will be fit to lead the 2007 World Cup campaign.

It is estimated it will take between four to six months for Vaughanés rehabilitation and the England and Wales Cricket Board are resigned to taking on Australia without their successful leader.

Nevertheless, the England management remain hopeful that he will lead the 2007 World Cup venture in the Caribbean next March and April.

To do so, though, would almost certainly be dependent on Vaughan taking part in Englandés one-day matches against Australia and New Zealand in the new year.

England have used four different captains in international cricket since November 2005 and Andrew Strauss will undertake leadership duties for the first Test against Pakistan next week.

Andrew Flintoff is set to captain England for the Ashes campaign - fitness permitting - with the opening contest in Brisbane beginning on November 23.

In addition to Vaughan, England are currently missing Flintoff (ankle), Ashley Giles (hip), Simon Jones (knee) and James Anderson (back) from the 13 men named in Ashes squads last summer.

Can England retain the Ashes without Vaughan? Have your say.

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