England selectors feel it’s the right time to introduce Vince

LONDON: James Vince has been recalled to England’s squad for the fourth Test against India in Southampton starting on August 30, giving the elegant but underachieving batsman another chance to prove himself at the highest level.

The 27-year-old Hampshire stylist will provide cover for Jonny Bairstow, who suffered a fracture to his left middle finger while keeping wicket on day three of England’s third Test defeat at Trent Bridge.

Vince played the last of his 13 Tests against New Zealand in March, before being dropped for the Pakistan series in May.

With a Test average of 24.90, his international career has so far delivered three half-centuries, but his county form has prompted selectors to offer him a reprieve.

Vince has scored 847 runs, the second most by any player, at an average of 56.46 in division one, capped by innings of 74 and 147 that proved instrumental in Hampshire’s win over Nottinghamshire this week while England slumped.

National selector Ed Smith said: “The selection panel felt this was the right time to reintroduce James Vince to the Test squad. James will provide cover in case Jonny Bairstow’s fractured finger prevents him playing in the fourth Test match.” The selectors may have felt they needed to act after India’s 203-run romp in the third Test which narrowed the hosts’ lead to 2-1 after three of the five Tests.

Fast bowler Jamie Porter has not been included in the squad and will return to Essex ahead of their clash with Hampshire.