HAMPSHIRE seamer Chris Tremlett was economical as the England academy XI lost a one-day match to Western Australia's second string in Perth this morning.

But all eyes were on Michael Vaughan as he took another step forward in his comeback from a career-threatening knee injury with a solid knock for the Academy.

While nothing he did was stunning, it was enough to show he is on the way to making a successful return to international cricket.

Vaughan came to the crease in the 13th over with the Academy side struggling at 31 for two after the dismissals of captain Robert Key and Matthew Prior.

In his 38-minute stay at the crease, Vaughan was in good touch, had free movement and his stroke-making was a delight.

Vaughan's nine from 21 balls was almost ended before it began, however, thanks to a confident lbw appeal on the first ball he faced from the bowling of Tim McDonald.

He settled after that and his innings consisted of singles both sides of the wicket, an elegant two through mid-wicket and a shot off his pads for four.

He also ran well between the wickets and showed no signs of the knee injury which has dogged him.

Vaughan fielded for nearly the entire Western Australia innings.

It was Owais Shah who starred for the tourists.

Shah, who scored 115 from 153 balls, led England to a competitive 226 for six from their 50 overs after Key won the toss and elected to bat.

England started slowly, crawling to 35 for two from the first 16 overs but Shah, Ravi Bopara (42) and Jamie Dalrymple (19) hit hard late in the innings to set the home team a challenging target.

Darren Wates took three for 30 from his 10 overs while new-ball partner Mathew Inness had one for 15.

In reply, Western Australia cruised to 227 for four to win with 10 balls to spare thanks to 70 from Peter Worthington.

Jon Lewis claimed two for 44 from his five overs, while Dalrymple finished with one for 39 from his 10.

Tremlett returned one for 28 from 9.2 overs.