James Vince Excited Ahead of World T20 Cup

Hampshire club captain James Vince has spoken of his excitement ahead of this month’s World T20 Cup in India, his first major international tournament with England.

The 24-year old was named in England’s 15-man squad last month alongside Hants team-mates Liam Dawson and Reece Topley. Despite not featuring in England’s IT20 series defeat to South Africa, Vince is hopeful of featuring in India:

“To be part of a World Cup is really exciting. Although the South-Africa series didn’t quite go to plan, the way the guys have been playing one-day cricket and t20 cricket over the past 12 months gives us a real chance.

“Obviously I was keen to play, but that was just the way it worked out – so hopefully if I get an opportunity in India I will take it.”

Many have suggested that England’s heavy defeat to South Africa in the second IT20 may have dented their confidence, but Vince is backing the side to put it behind them:

 “We’ve got a couple of warm-up games when we get out there so hopefully we can get back to winning ways and take that momentum into the group games.

 “It’s a tough group, but if you want to win the tournament you will need to beat the best teams and I think if we can get through the group stages then anything can happen.”

If England are triumphant later on this month, they will become the first team to win the World T20 Cup for a second time after taking home the trophy in 2010. And Vince believes England are well-placed to make their mark on the tournament in 2016:

 “There is always pressure going into a tournament like this, but considering how well have been playing in T20 and one-day cricket recently I don’t think we should be putting too much pressure on ourselves.

“On the back of some great performances for the Lions, Daws had a great winter to push his name into the squad and he’s really deserved his place.  As a youngster it is something you dream of playing in so I’m looking forward to getting out there and hopefully I can play a part in the tournament.”