England ace James Vince admits he would not have chance at making World Cup if it wasn’t for bad boy Alex Hales axing
JAMES VINCE admits he would not be playing for England if Alex Hales had not been axed.
Hampshire captain Vince received a surprise call-up when Hales’ double drugs bust became public two weeks ago.
Now Vince, 28, seems certain to make England’s final 15-man World Cup squad when it is announced on May 21 — while Hales tries to rebuild his career.
On the day the Hales story broke, Vince scored a county record 190 for Hampshire against Gloucestershire in the Royal London Cup.
He said: “That was pretty good timing. I’ve played six white-ball games for Hampshire this summer and managed to contribute in all of them.
“So I’m very pleased how I’ve started the season. If Alex was here, I don’t think I would be. I’m not going to say too much about his situation but it’s given me an opportunity.”
Wednesday’s first ODI of this five-match series with Pakistan was rained off. The second takes place today at Southampton — Vince’s home ground.
He added: “The plan for the rest of the series is to get a game or two and push my claims ahead of the World Cup.
“My aim at the start of the season was to score as many runs as possible for Hampshire and be the next cab off the rank for England.
ENGLAND (likely)
- Roy
- Bairstow
- Root
- Morgan (capt)
- Buttler (wkt)
- Stokes
- Moeen
- Woakes,
- Rashid
- Archer
- Plunkett
“I’ve not played a lot of white-ball games in a row for England but that’s the nature of international cricket.
“My aim is to become a more regular member of the squad.”
Vince is unlikely to play today as first-choice opener Jason Roy is over his back spasm.
And Vince is hoping to be released by England for a day to play Hampshire’s Royal London Cup semi-final tomorrow.
But he is likely to get further chances against Pakistan and is a strong Ashes contender after promoting himself from No 3 to opener in county cricket.
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Vince added: “I had a chat with Joe Root and selector Ed Smith to see my best chance of making the Test side.
“The feedback I got was the higher up I batted for Hampshire the better.”
Roy and Moeen Ali, who has been out with a cracked rib, are fit and will replace Vince and Joe Denly.