Michael Vaughan and Matthew Hoggard were back among their county colleagues at Headingley yesterday, reinvigorated after their winter Test triumphs in South Africa and looking forward with optimism to the battles which lie ahead for Yorkshire and England.

England captain Vaughan has just enjoyed his longest break from cricket for five years, even though it has been punctuated with official functions and three weeks' hard training at the Institute of Sport in Sheffield where he has been working on a programme of body strengthening.

"Zimbabwe and South Africa were very tough, particularly as every one of the Tests in South Africa went into the fifth day and we were pressed really hard," said Vaughan.

"It was a great achievement to win the series. We were generally not at our best and I was not at my best as a batter and I needed a break once we got home.

"But I've just enjoyed a holiday and have returned refreshed and ready to begin my build-up with Yorkshire and to start preparing for the Ashes.

"Headingley will now be my base for a few weeks as I work towards my first match which will be against Ireland on May 3 and I'll have five games in all before getting back with England for the Tests with Bangladesh.

"I have felt plenty of energy and positive vibes in the Yorkshire camp and I think that if we can keep the key players fit then we should be able to push for promotion.

"As England captain I have to keep focussed on the national side and I am aware that this Ashes series could be the highlight of my career.

"Individuals and the team as a whole have a huge opportunity to see just how far we have come.

"Australia are an abnormal team with so much strength in depth but if we stay positive and are mentally strong I think we can put them under some pressure.

"To win the series is a big ask and it is crucial that we get off to a good start in the first Test at Lord's, otherwise demons can creep into your head and it can turn into a long summer against a very good team."

Hoggard, who plays in Yorkshire's Championship opener against Essex at Chelmsford on Wednesday, was also able to reflect on a successful winter in South Africa.

"I think it was the consistently the best I have bowled in an England shirt and I hope that form continues," he said.

"It is fantastic to be starting out with Yorkshire and hopefully we can be a winning side.

"There is a depth of talent in the squad now and I think we will be a side to reckoned with for the next four or five years because of the players coming through."