James Vince: “I’m looking forward to hopefully playing a big part for us”
Image courtesy of: Zimbio
England batsman James Vince has admitted that he was “a little bit surprised” after being included in the Ashes squad for the upcoming series against Australia later this month.
Vince has not played Test cricket since August last year and in the seven Tests he did play, he failed to reach the half-century mark and averaged 19.27.
However, he did have a decent season with Hampshire in the County Championship as he scored 626 runs in 12 matches, which includes two centuries and a fifty, at an average of 32.94.
“When the call first came in I was a little bit surprised but it’s had a little bit of chance to sink in now,” Vince was quoted as saying by Sky Sports. “We’ve had a bit of a break and now we’re here. It’s a great chance to prepare and hopefully play a part in us winning the Ashes.”
The 26-year-old added that he believes he can have a much better showing with the bat in Australia as he used to play in the country when he was younger.
“I played out here when I was a bit younger,” he said. “Obviously it’s a different ball and you’ll be tested by pace.
“From a batting point of view, there’s some good tracks out there with pretty true bounce. George Bailey played at Hampshire and said I would enjoy playing on the pitches out here.
“If you get yourself in past the new ball there is runs to be scored. I’m looking forward to hopefully playing a big part for us.”
Meanwhile, Vince also admitted that England would miss all-rounder Ben Stokes, but pointed out that it presents an opportunity for the other players in the side to stand up and make their presence felt.
Stokes is unlikely to feature in the Ashes as he was withdrawn from the squad after allegedly getting into a street brawl outside a nightclub in Bristol in September.
While two gay men have come forth and claimed that Stokes was defending them, it remains to be seen whether the 26-year-old will join his team-mates Down Under.
“It is disappointing but at the same time it gives other guys the opportunity to stand up and make a name for themselves,” Vince said. “We have a big squad and guys that are capable of stepping up and taking his spot.
“He has had a tough few weeks I would imagine. I don’t know the ins and outs of it – if he does come out here at some point it will be great for us and him.
“For the time being we get on without him and hopefully someone else will step up.”
The first Ashes Test gets underway on November 23 in Brisbane.