England captain Michael Vaughan has been cleared of any serious damage to his right elbow after being struck during a net session at Edgbaston in the lead-up to the second Test against Australia.

England initially feared Vaughan would be in doubt for the match, starting Thursday, after a delivery from reserve paceman Chris Tremlett hit the skipper during a batting session in the nets.

Vaughan writhed in pain after copping the delivery and he was taken to hospital for X-rays, which cleared him of a break or fracture.

The 30-year-old, who bats at No.3 and has the massive task of overcoming a poor personal start to the series, suffered heavy bruising from the blow and will be reassessed by team doctors on Wednesday.

Despite Vaughan's poor start to the series - he was bowled twice in the first Test loss at Lord's, for three and four - England's chances of levelling the series would nosedive if he were to be ruled out, as he has an outstanding record against the Australians.

Meanwhile, Australian coach John Buchanan believes his side has a superior edge in physical and mental fitness over England that will be crucial during the back-to-back second and third Tests.

There are only two days off between the scheduled end of the second Test and start of the third, at Old Trafford, and Buchanan said fatigue could be a factor if the matches go the distance and are played in warm conditions.

"I don't think there'll be any doubt that through this period it will be a team that is fit and mentally strong that will have some advantage by the end of these two games," he said.

"One of the strengths of our side has been that we are able to front up game after game and I don't see at this point in time that being any different.

"If we play the way we know we can play over this period of time, and right at this moment in time there are good signs to indicate that we will, then I would expect to come out certainly in front of this 14-day period."

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