ENGLAND CAST-OFFS TAKE CENTRE STAGE
Vince and Billings aim to show what they’re made of in huge Lord’s showdown
JAMES VINCE is hoping to heal the scars of England failure and show he can produce the goods on cricket’s big day.
Vince leads Hampshire in the Royal London Cup final against Kent at Lord’s today knowing that all eyes will be on him to show why he was backed to be an Ashes hero last winter.
It didn’t happen for him against a stellar bowling attack Down Under, but after scoring 76 against New Zealand in his last Test innings, the news he had been dropped in May still stung. He has responded with a sensational 171 in the semi-final against Yorkshire, and he’s been told the door remains open.
“I wouldn’t say it was easy to move on from,” admitted Vince.
“I was very disappointed and then I was watching the Tests on TV, thinking I’d love to be there.
“I have been treated very fairly and given good opportunities before that, but I’m averaging 24-25, and that doesn’t mean you should be selected for England.
“I understood it, but at the same time, 70-odd in the last Test then 200 the week before selection I felt I was going to get that big one in Test cricket, I felt in a good place to do it in the first Test this summer. I was told that the door is still open by Ed Smith (England’s chief selector). He emphasised about scoring big hundreds and playing a big part in every game you play.
“Hopefully a good backend of the season and I can get into contention for the winter.”
Kent skipper Sam Billings is in a similar situation after being axed from England’s one-day squad to face India, but after winning the IPL with Chennai Super Kings, he is keen to add more silverware to his collection.
“Of course I’m disappointed but I just need to play some cricket,” said Billings, ahead of Kent’s first final in 10 years. “I need to settle in one place in the batting order and put some runs on the board. I’m really excited to push my own case and Kent’s case in this final.
“Hampshire are a good side with dangerous players, but I think they’ll be looking down our line-up thinking the same thing. We’ve got guys who can win a match from anywhere.”
In the pace department Hampshire look equally strong with Reece Topley back in business after a torrid time with injuries, while they don’t come much better than South African paceman Dale Steyn.
“You look towards your overseas players on days like this to make a match-winning contribution,” added Vince.
“I’m sure the occasion won’t faze someone of Dale’s calibre.
“He had a slight tight hamstring after the last four-day game so he’s rested this week and bowled nicely in the nets today, he’s good to go.”