Alastair Cook has got used to the fit of an England shirt and does not intend to shed it once captain Michael Vaughan returns.

Some may view Cook as keeping Vaughan's place warm in the Test side but the 21-year-old believes his bat will carve his destiny.

Although the tall left-handed Essex batsman earns only his fifth cap against Sri Lanka at Trent Bridge tomorrow - while Vaughan is in his first-class comeback match for Yorkshire - another significant contribution may put the more established Paul Collingwood under pressure if everyone is fit for the four-Test series against Pakistan beginning at Lord's on July 13.

Cook said: "Everyone knows that's what England selection has been based on. If you are in the shirt and scoring runs it just makes selection very tough.

"For me personally if I keep scoring runs and big runs at that I should hopefully keep my place."

Cook, who saw off the challenge of Warwickshire's Ian Bell for the vacant number three spot at the start of this summer, added: "It's great that Vaughan is back - it is good that his fitness is on the mend. It adds more strength to the England team and squad.

"It is up to all of us now not to be complacent, score runs and that will ultimately improve England's team performance as well. It will also increase the competition in the players which is only good for English cricket."

When Vaughan is available, the question will be where the England captain will slot back into the team, but Cook attained his most recent position of first-wicket down as a result of a previous injury to Vaughan's right knee two years ago, opening the door for Andrew Strauss to open with Marcus Trescothick.

If Cook holds on, then Vaughan could return at four, where he was stationed upon return in 2004, or more likely five, given Kevin Pietersen's form.

Cook said: "It has been a bit different watching Strauss and 'Tres' walk out with me hanging around in the dressing-room waiting to go.

"I do see myself as an opener, it's where I have played all my cricket, but I am loving batting at three because I am playing for England."

Cook's unbeaten 34 in the second innings of the second Test at Edgbaston on Sunday guided England to victory. It was not as memorable as his century on debut or 89 at Lord's but it had its own significance.

Even though Andrew Flintoff's team were chasing a paltry score it meant combat with star spin bowler Muttiah Muralitharan on a wearing surface.

Cook said: "I have seen a little bit more of him now and he is a genius and very tough to face. The more you look at him and more you play against him the more clues you pick up.

"It was nice to get my first win for England and I was glad to get the red inker [not out] to put us 1-0 up in the series.

"When you are playing other bowlers you just watch the ball and make sure you play it but when you are facing him you are doubly focused about which way it is going to turn.