Vince Excited by Opportunity Ahead

Hampshire captain James Vince is aiming to stake his claim for a place in England’s World T20 squad as he looks ahead to a busy start to 2016.

The 24-year old departs for Dubai this weekend ahead of the England Lions’ 50-over series against Pakistan A, a series which will see Vince skipper the side once again:  

“The T20 series was a good contest, they have a few good players with international experience so the 50-over series will be a tough one but we’ve got a strong squad and it’s one we are all looking forward to.

“I had a taste of 50-over captaincy for the Lions last winter, it was enjoyable and we won in South Africa, so to win again versus Pakistan was a good effort so hopefully we can keep the ball rolling and get another series win.”

Following the series, Vince will have the unique opportunity to take part in the inaugural Pakistan Super League in what is seen as an excellent opportunity to prepare for the World T20 Cup in India. The Hants man, who will feature for the Karachi Kings alongside Ravi Bopara, Shoaib Malik, and Tillakaratne Dilshan, believes the tournament will help him develop as a T20 batsman:

“Playing in the Pakistan Super League will be a good experience for me to be a team’s overseas player. There are some good players in the tournament so I’m sure it’ll be a good standard of cricket. It’s the first year of the tournament, so hopefully it can go well and the tournament can grow in stature over the next few years.”

After a string of impressive performances for England in their comprehensive T20 series win over Pakistan, Vince is hopeful of keeping his place in the side for the two-match series against South-Africa, taking place in the middle of February:

“I’m really happy with how the England T20’s went, it was great to get an opportunity and to be able to contribute to a winning team was a nice feeling.

“Hopefully I can get another opportunity to play again against South Africa but if I don’t hopefully I will impress enough with the Lions to help me push my case for a place at the World Cup which would be a great experience to go to India and be part of a World Cup squad."