BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, (Reuters) - England's success on their 10-week tour of the Caribbean was built on the team's solid work ethic and commitment, according to captain Michael Vaughan.
The five-wicket win over West Indies on Wednesday left honours even at 2-2 after the seven-match one-day series, which followed England's Test series victory -- their first since 1968.
"Obviously in the Test series, we had a fantastic series," Vaughan said before the squad returned to England. "To win 3-0 -- no one probably expected us to do that.
"It's been a long, hard tour. If you look at every game we've played, they've all been tough games of cricket so to lose only two games all tour takes a lot of mental strength."
Under Vaughan's leadership, England have instituted an enhanced fitness regime, something the captain said had been pivotal to their efforts.
"They've given everything all tour," Vaughan said. "Obviously there's been a new training regime but they have shown a real mental strength in the way they've kept going.
"The way the bowlers have kept running in, it shows they have a great attitude."
Vaughan had particular words for the three players who, along with himself, played in each of the four Tests and seven one-dayers -- left-hander Marcus Trescothick, fast bowler Steve Harmison and all-rounder Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff.
"I am pleased for Marcus," Vaughan said after Trescothick's 82 set up victory on Wednesday. "But Harmison and Freddie can definitely put their feet up on the couch when they get back. They have been fantastic."
The squad flew home to England yesterday and will have a two-week break before they reassemble to prepare for the first Test against New Zealand at Lord's on May 22.
"The short time off could be good," Vaughan said. "Obviously (New Zealand) have had a bit of time to get used to the conditions in England, but it could be good for us too because we're on a bit of a roll.
"A week on Sunday when we report back, we will just have to get right back and focus on New Zealand."
WINNING NOTE
Vaughan said the one-day squad, which rebounded from back-to-back defeats in St Lucia last weekend to finish the tour on a winning note, was improving all the time.
"We've showed we're a match for anyone on our day," Vaughan said. "Probably a year ago, we might have fallen short here. There was a lot of inexperience in the team but to chase 262 in the manner we chased them is excellent.
"We're improving but we're nowhere near the finished product."
Vaughan said criticism of the one-day team for being light in the batting department was justified.
"It's no secret that we're looking for a frontline batsman," he said. "There's been a lot of talk that we're a bit light in batting. It's just trying to find the right character.