London, Dec. 30 : Former England cricket captain Michael Vaughan''s international career remains ajar after his omission from England''s Test squad for the Caribbean.

It does so for three reasons (1) The first is his central contract, controversially awarded in September and now performing the role of a reassuring umbilical cord (2) The second is the doubt over Ian Bell''s suitability for the No. 3 slot and (3) Is the faith of others, principally the selectors and Kevin Pietersen, and Vaughan''s own bloody mindedness and tactical acumen.

Lumped together, they form an argument of sorts - one that will keep Bell on his toes in the West Indies and persuade Owais Shah that a long-awaited third Test cap may prove more tantalizing than it already has done.

"For someone of Vaughan''s experience, perhaps his county form isn''t as crucial as it might be for others. But given how long he''s been out he does need to score some runs, unless Bell and Shah make a complete pig''s ear of the next few Tests. He can''t start the season poorly and then get back in. I just wonder whether he has the will to play the long innings," said Nottinghamshire coach, Mick Newell.

"The question is whether he should have got the central contract in the first place," he adds.

The selectors would hate to admit it, but Vaughan''s best hope may be the -vulnerability of others.

Miller told BBC radio that "We like to have pressure put on us for selection". (ANI)