Vaughan inspired by ill youngster

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England captain Michael Vaughan revealed that a six-year-old boy who accompanied him to the toss inspired him to a century against Australia.

Connor Shaw, who has had three heart operations including a transplant, joined Vaughan and Ricky Ponting.

"I realised there was not a lot to worry about in my life when you see a little boy like that.

"He really made me relax. I realised how lucky I was to be playing cricket," Vaughan told BBC Radio Five Live.

Vaughan, who went on make 166, had not made more than 24 in this series until Thursday's knock but he put his recent poor form down to bad luck.

That luck changed dramatically as Australia dropped four catches, missed a run out and allowed Vaughan to escape when he was bowled by Glenn McGrath off a no ball.

"I kept trying to tell myself that luck would change," said Vaughan. "You have to take the opportunities when you're given them and fortunately I did that."

Vaughan was also full of praise for Ian Bell, his partner in a third-wicket stand of 127.

"The way he fought to get 59 not out was a tremendous effort from him," Vaughan added.

"It takes a lot of character - you could easily lose your momentum, go down and have a hack.

"His [strong] temperament has been one thing people have spoken about and he proved that."