Vaughan silences critics with sparkling ton

Som May 27 2007

England captain Michael Vaughan has sent his critics scurrying for covers after hitting a scintillating ton in the second Test against the West Indies.

michael vaughan hits form 4305

Returning to the Test side after an 18-month gap due to a spate of injuries, few gave him a chance and most people though he was at the fag end of his career.

But the right-handed batsman overcame a shaky start and went on to complete his century that not only made his critics swallow their words but also consolidated his position in the side.

After both the openers -- Andrew Strauss and Alastair Cook -- returned to the pavilion after a promising start, Vaughan and Kevin Pietersen, the other centurion, rebuilt the innings.

Vaughan was cautious with his shots, while Pietersen was typically harsh on the West Indies bowling attack which did not have the firepower or sting to decimate the England batting order.

Vaughan's much-awaited century finally came when he edged four through the slips to notch up his 16th ton in the longer version of the game. He was soon out after scoring 103 off 173 balls, which included 11 boundaries.

England lost two more quick wickets when Paul Collingwood and Ian Bell perished cheaply. But by then, the hosts had positioned themselves at the drivers' seat and Vaughan had done his bit.

Photo: BBC