Marcus Trescothick is backing captain Michael Vaughan to recover from his Super Series disappointment and stamp his mark on the remainder of the Ashes.

England captain Vaughan was a surprise omission from the Rest of the World squad to face Australia in the six-day Test in Sydney next October, with the International Cricket Council selectors preferring South Africa's Graeme Smith to lead the side.

Vaughan was left out despite averaging more than 50 against the world champions in eight previous Test appearances and leading England towards a thrilling finale to this summer's series, when they could win the Ashes for the first time since 1986-7.

Loyal vice-captain Trescothick insisted Vaughan, who suffered the embarrassment of becoming only Ricky Ponting's fifth Test wicket of his career as England reached 229 for four on the opening day at Trent Bridge, will bounce back strongly.

Asked about Vaughan's omission from the Super Series Test squad, which includes Andrew Flintoff and Steve Harmison, Trescothick said: 'It was a little bit harsh - the last time we were in Australia he put in some great performances out there.

'It's been pretty tough leading us at different periods, but he's a good player and he was always going to bounce back, especially against Australia with the extra pace on the ball.

'Generally on wickets that bounce a bit more he's the sort of player that puts his hand up and scores big runs on them.

'His captaincy has developed hugely over the last couple of years - but he's the sort of character not to get fazed.'

Vaughan's lapse of judgement, fishing outside off-stump to Ponting's gentle medium pace and edging behind just four overs before the close, allowed Australia back into the day after England had enjoyed a 105-run opening stand.

It was Ponting's first Test wicket for six-and-a-half years and underlined the dangers of under-estimating Australia even when they are without experienced seamer Glenn McGrath, who failed a fitness test on his sore right elbow.

'You never really get miles and miles ahead of them,' stressed Trescothick. 'They are always nagging away and keeping us under pressure.

'But we have done the same when we have bowled. You just have to stay patient sometimes and keep hanging in there because you never know, you might get two wickets in the over.'

Australia, boosted by the late capture of Vaughan, also believe they are still in the game and a lot depends on the present partnership between Kevin Pietersen and Andrew Flintoff.

'I would say that it's evenly poised on a pretty good batting wicket,' said coach John Buchanan.