LONDON, Aug 24: Michael Vaughan has raised possibility that he may be fit to play some part in England's defence of the Ashes this winter. Vaughan underwent surgery on his troublesome right knee seven weeks ago and it had been thought almost certain he would play no part Down Under.

But he believes there is a slim chance he could return at some stage, most likely during one-day triangular cricket series that follows New Year Test in Sydney.

“There is only a small chance (of playing in Ashes),” he said. “I am likely to be playing cricket of some nature in December but you can't go from not playing for 12 months straight into international cricket.

“I am only seven weeks post-operation and there is still a long road ahead. I am just looking at it on a week-to-week basis. I am off my crutches now and walking but I am still a long way off running.”

With World Cup looming large in March next year, England now enter a crucial period of one-day cricket prior to start of Ashes tour in November.

A five-match ODI series against Pakistan is followed by ICC Champions Trophy in India, and Vaughan feels England must get their limited overs game 'on track'.

“It is important we try to get one-day game on track and win this series against Pakistan. That will give us momentum for ICC Champions Trophy, then it will be VB Series and World Cup.”—Agencies