Michael Vaughan's hopes of a prompt return to Test cricket have been dashed by a fracture to his right middle finger which means he is almost certain to miss England's first Test against the West Indies, which starts at Lord's on Thursday week, and also the one after that.

A hospital X-ray revealed what the England and Wales Cricket Board describe as an "undisplaced fracture" following the blow which Vaughan received from Australian paceman Stuart Clark on the second day of Yorkshire's match against Hampshire at the Rose Bowl.

An ECB spokesperson added that Vaughan will undergo further assessment ahead of the first Test but the reality of the situation is that he will not be fit to lead England.

Vaughan has been blighted by bad luck ever since he led England to their Ashes triumph in the summer of 2005 and he was brought into the Yorkshire side at the Rose Bowl to regain his form after missing the Test series in Australia last winter because of a hamstring injury.

He was looking on top of his game in the first innings, when he made a polished 72 before being run out, and he had accumulated 16 in the second innings before having to retire hurt.

Vaughan yesterday declined to comment on his situation.