War of the Roses

The reception Vaughan receives this morning at Old Trafford is sure to be somewhat different. Yorkshiremen, even those born in the suburbs of Manchester, have rarely been afforded a warm welcome in these parts and Vaughan's recent criticism of Andrew Flintoff, Lancashire's favourite son, is certain to cause a reaction. Frank Lampard is unlikely to be the only England player in the past week to be booed in his home city.

Angus Fraser: Vaughan set for battle to silence boos

Although he plays for Yorkshire, Vaughan is a Lancastrian by birth, born just a few miles away from Old Trafford in Eccles. The locals here tend to be forgiving of their own, especially when Vaughan's last appearance here saw him score an Ashes century. But some supporters are predicting a mixed reaction.

Derek Pringle: Vaughan's clumsy denial does not add up

Olive branches are not easy to come by in Manchester but Michael Vaughan will be under pressure to gather as many as he can this morning after his extraordinary broadside against Andrew Flintoff threatened to destroy the England team's recovery after their disastrous winter.

Jon Culley: Moores upset as Vaughan rocks England's boat

Vaughan's comments drew stinging criticism from Flintoff's county, with Lancashire chief executive Jim Cumbes outraged by what he saw as a breach of the dressing-room code. CuBlogger: My two cents... - Create Postmbes called an impromptu press conference yesterday, describing Vaughan's comments as a "kick in the teeth" for Flintoff. "I think it is completely out of order," he said. "I think it's despicable, and I think it stinks. We are talking about a guy who has given blood for England these past three or four years. Fred was the talisman in the Ashes series of 2005. You could almost say that he was responsible for 11 people getting gongs. Michael Vaughan was among them."

Simon Briggs: Vaughan tries to heal rift with Flintoff

We all know Michael Vaughan to be ruthless, but to kick one of his own when they are down, as he has most assuredly done to Andrew Flintoff, takes Machiavellian into the realms of a personal grudge

Derek Pringle: Vaughan cheap shot arose from Ashes snub

Vaughan and Flintoff met for lunch in Manchester yesterday, where Vaughan was expected to assure him that he had not blamed him for World Cup defeat. "I hope everyone realises that it has been blown up, [and that we] are great mates," he said. "I am looking forward to getting me and Freddie back in the team."

Flintoff was said to be shaken by Vaughan's assessment that his behaviour had a negative effect on morale.

David Hopps: 'Misquoted' Vaughan is contradicted by evidence

I hope this simmers in the background till India reaches Old Blighty, when Andrew Flintoff will be ready to play Test Cricket under Michael Vaughan's captaincy. At Lords. Against India.

Such fun.

People have been questioning our team spirit since the interview with Michael Vaughan appeared in these pages, but it's important to stress two things. The first is that he and Andrew Flintoff are good friends. The second is that the spirit right now is really bubbly. We've got a new coach, we've just beaten West Indies by a record margin and the fast bowlers are excited about bowling on a bouncy Old Trafford pitch. I know you'd expect me to say it, but the truth is that the England dressing-room is a great place to be.

Ian Bell

Yup.. Till the first ball of the Third Test versus the West Indies is bowled.