Michael Vaughan admits he returns to captain England in a Test match after an 18-month absence today under pressure for his place.

Vaughan, 32, leads his country against West Indies at his county headquarters of Headingley having last fulfilled the role in Lahore in December 2005.

His last international on home soil, in fact, was the Ashes-clinching draw with Australia at The Oval.

Times have changed drastically since the euphoria of that September day, however, and question marks linger over whether Vaughan is the same player, having fought off a career-threatening knee injury.

Had Andrew Flintoff not failed a fitness test, the England selectors would have been in the unenviable position of dropping either Paul Collingwood or Ian Bell, who both hit Test hundreds last week, to accommodate Vaughan, a man with no form behind him due to his length of absence.

''If Freddie had been fit it would have been a tricky selection,'' said Vaughan.

''You are always under pressure playing international cricket, that is what I live for and why I want to play this week.

''I know I need some runs and I am pretty confident I can get a few.''

A broken right middle finger denied his participation in last week's Lord's stalemate and the delay has only served to promote extra nerves.

''The first day of any Test match you have nerves but when you've had a bit of a break like I have it almost feels like you are starting again,'' Vaughan said.

''It does feel like a fresh start and like being at the beginning again.

''But I am very excited about getting out there and playing again.

''What I do have is a lot of fond memories and a lot to draw back on.

''If I can re-live my net form in the middle, get over that tricky half an hour, like in any innings, I am sure I can get a few runs this week.''

Without Flintoff England will continue to muddle through with a four-man bowling unit.

Durham pair Harmison and Liam Plunkett are expected to be reprieved, which means the third fast-bowling spot will be contested by left-armer Ryan Sidebottom, hoping to add to his sole cap to date, and James Anderson.