Michael Vaughan signalled his readiness for a return to the Test arena with a fine 82 on the first day of CricInfo Championship leaders Yorkshire's clash with Leicestershire at Grace Road.

Despite that they could only muster a disappointing 230 all out after winning the toss, but then struck back by claiming three Leicestershire wickets in five overs to swing the game back in their favour.

Fast bowler Steve Kirby, who took 12 wickets in the match between the two sides at Headingley a few weeks ago, was again in inspired form against the club who released him after he had spent a couple of years on the Grace Road staff without playing a first team game.

He had Trevor Ward caught at slip of an absolute beauty and then clean bowled Iain Sutcliffe with the last ball of the day. In between Paul Hutchison knocked back Ben Smith's off stump to leave the home side in disarray at 23 for three.

But it was the form of Vaughan which will have most pleased Yorkshire – and England. After a six-week absence following knee surgery, Vaughan produced an innings of real quality which should ensure his place in the England side for the final Test at The Oval against Australia.

He batted for three hours and hit 12 fours before falling to a leg side catch by wicket-keeper Neil Burns off Phil DeFreitas.

Vaughan and Matthew Wood shared a second wicket stand of 96 to set up Yorkshire for a big total. But Leicestershire's bowlers pegged away on one of the hottest days of the summer and took wickets at regular intervals.

Skipper Vince Wells had an impressive return of three for 37 off 18 overs, DeFreitas took two for six in a nine-over spell in mid-afternoon and Darren Maddy collected three wickets as well. And with no recognised spinner in the side because of injuries, fast bowler James Ormond proved his versatility with a lengthy spell of off-spin.

© CricInfo