28 Jun 2009, 1732 hrs IST

Ignored for England's pre-Ashes squad and hampered by a nagging knee injury, former captain Michael Vaughan is all set to retire from international cricket this week, the British media reported on Sunday.

The 34-year-old is expected to announce his decision later this week as "he does not want to block the progress of some promising young batsmen", the 'Daily Telegraph' reported.

Vaughan, who led England to the historic 2005 Ashes triumph at home, had opted out of the Indian Premier League auction earlier this year to work harder towards an international comeback.

But despite months of preparation, he couldn't find a place in England's 16-member pre-Ashes squad announced earlier this week.

Vaughan's career had hit a rough patch soon after the high of 2005 Ashes with the flaring up of his right knee injury that required surgery.

England's most successful captain tearfully gave up the job last August following poor form and fitness problems. His knee continued troubling him and despite declaring himself fit, he was not able to field a full day this year during the county season.

Vaughan has played 82 Tests for England, captaining in 51 of them. He has also played 86 one-dayers, leading the side in 60 of these matches.

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