Cricket/ Second Test: Michael Vaughan's return to captain England in the second Test against New Zealand today could be interrupted by an emergency dash up the motorway to witness the birth of his first child.

Vaughan's comeback after missing the opening Test victory at Lord's with a knee injury has dominated the build-up to the Headingley clash.

He has confirmed he will return to the side at number four, which allows Andrew Strauss to continue at the top of the order and build on his impressive debut in the first Test.

That return, though, may be temporarily interrupted, as Vaughan revealed he may disappear at a moment's notice - providing he is not already at the crease - if he receives a call from wife Nichola, due to give birth in Sheffield any day now.

But Vaughan's dash up the M1 has only been possible because of New Zealand's generous attitude to the situation after they have agreed to England's request for a substitute fielder in the captain's absence, despite there being no provision for childbirth in the laws of cricket.

But while the tourists were happy to accept England's request for a substitute, they were not prepared to waive the laws which state that if Vaughan is absent for a considerable length of time he would not be allowed to bat any higher than number seven.

New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming, the third-most experienced captain in Test history with 59 appearances, missed the tourists' final net session yesterday with an ear infection.

If he is forced out, Chris Cairns, yet to lead his country in Test cricket, will deputise.

New Zealand already have concerns over Craig McMillan's broken finger and Jacob Oram's side strain.