ARUNDEL, June 23: Michael Vaughan's prospects of returning for the final two matches of England's one-day series against Sri Lanka took a step backwards on Friday.

England captain Vaughan, who'd been off the field here Thursday with a recurrence of his longstanding right knee injury while playing for Yorkshire, did not take the field when Sussex's innings in this match.

That seemed to close the door on the possibility of Vaughan playing in the final two matches against Sri Lanka at Old Trafford on Wednesday and at Headingley three days later.

He was already been set to miss Yorkshire's C and G Trophy one-day match against Worcestershire at New Road on Sunday and is now doubtful for Tuesday's opening Twenty20 match against Durham at Headingley.

England will want Vaughan to prove his fitness in a series of Championship matches before selecting him for the start of the four-Test series against Pakistan at Lord's on July 13.

Vaughan has not played for England since the Pakistan tour before Christmas. He only returned to cricket with Yorkshire a month ago and has repeatedly used ice treatment to aid his recovery.

England are currently 2-0 down in their one-day series against Sri Lanka, meaning they must win at the Riverside on Saturday to keep the five-match alive.—AFP