Warne says Vaughan's comeback plans could backfire

SYDNEY, Nov 10 (Reuters) Michael Vaughan's plan to join England's Ashes squad midway through the series could backfire and end up working in Australia's favour, according to Shane Warne.

He said the ongoing speculation about Vaughan's return date could unsettle the rest of the team, particularly his replacement captain Andrew Flintoff.

''It will be interesting to see what happens with the captaincy,'' Warne told reporters in Melbourne.

''Does Andrew Flintoff still stay captain or does Michael Vaughan take over the reins? I think that's good for us, for Australia.'' Vaughan was named player of the series in the last Ashes series played in Australia when he scored 633 runs at an average of 63.

He captained England to their series win at home last year but has hardly played since because of knee problems. He was not selected for the Ashes series but said recently he expects to be fully fit in time for the third of five tests, starting in Perth on December 14.

''Michael Vaughan played well four years ago out here but at the end of the day if he can come back through the middle of the series, that's up to England,'' Warne said.

''That's got nothing to do with us but it might be interesting to see what happens with the captaincy.'' REUTERS PDS VV1842