Michael Vaughan has insisted that England can match Australia in the Ashes this summer, if captain Alastair Cook continues his fine form.

The opening batsman scored 153 not out against New Zealand at Lord's yesterday, while he hit another century against the West Indies last month.

Vaughan told The Telegraph: "It is going to be a huge challenge this summer for Cook's technique to hold up against the high quality bowling of Australia and New Zealand. But I am more confident than ever that England can compete with Australia if Cook continues to play like this."

The Ashes start in Cardiff on July 8.