YORKSHIRE opener Michael Vaughan's chances of playing for England in the first Test against Zimbabwe on May 18 were put in jeopardy yesterday when he had to retire hurt at Headingley with a suspected broken finger after piling up a magnificent 155 off Derbyshire's attack.

Vaughan went to hospital for an X-ray and he was taking the plate along to the ground today for examination and further assessment by physiotherapist Caryl Becker.

But Vaughan last night was not too optimistic about the outcome. "I am fearing the worst although things may be a little different when the swelling and inflammation is reduced," he said.

"It was sickening to receive an injury like this, particularly as I felt in such good form and with the first Test just around the corner."

Vaughan, who had batted in his most elegant style for seven-and-threequarter hours, was struck on the lower part of his little left finger by paceman Matthew Cassar and had to retire hurt after on-the-field treatment failed to lessen the pain.

Yorkshire's director of coaching, Martyn Moxon, said: "Michael had batted superbly and it will be a tragedy if the finger is broken and he has to have a spell out of action."

Vaughan's epic innings spanned 341 balls off which he hit nine fours and two sixes and his marathon effort put Yorkshire into an extremely strong position.

They closed on 407 for four off 129 overs to give them a maximum eight bonus points from the match and leave them 168 runs in front

.It was Vaughan's 16th century for Yorkshire and his first at Headingley and he went to his 100 in the grand manner by pulling Tim Munton viciously for six.

He gave only one chance on the way when Rob Bailey could not hold on to a catch above his head at first slip.

His opening stand with David Byas was already worth 74 at the start of the day and it was taken on to 119 before the captain was out lbw for 49 to the unwavering Kevin Dean who bowled throughout the morning session and also accounted for Richard Blakey when he stepped in front of his stumps.

But Blakey's departure only brought in Australian Darren Lehmann who batted with all the panache and flair he showed in his first two seasons with Yorkshire and the nimble left-hander was soon thrashing the ball through the covers to devastating effect while Vaughan continued at a more sedate pace.

Lehmann's seventh boundary raced him to his 50 shortly before he was congratulating Vaughan on his century.

His own 'ton' appeared inevitable until he miscued a ball from Aldred straight into the air and was caught by Karl Krikken for 93 from 151 deliveries with 13 scorching fours, his third wicket stand with Vaughan piling up 152 in 48 overs.

Aldred found enough reserve energy also to bowl Craig White but Yorkshire were still steaming on at 365 for four when Vaughan was struck down.

Gary Fellows strode busily in, however, to get off the mark with a splendidly hooked six off Cassar and he and Matthew Wood took full advantage of tiring bowling in the closing overs.

l Former England women's captain Karen Smithies has hit out after being dropped from the squad for the first three one-day internationals against South Africa on June 20, 22 and 25.

Smithies said: "Paul Farbrace team manager said it was because of a lack of ability to score runs quickly, but Eric Chapman, chairman of the selectors, said it was due to a lack of fitness.

"That is a load of bull. They were both at the same selectors' meeting so they want to get their act together and come up with the same story."