Vince and Stoneman earn praise from England coach Thorpe

James Vince and Mark Stoneman are in charge of their own destiny as Test cricketers, according to Graham Thorpe.

The England batting coach acknowledges several places in the current Test line-up cannot yet be guaranteed long term.

But he complimented the second-wicket pair on their century stand after Vince (76) and Stoneman (60) responded to the early loss of out-of-form Alastair Cook by putting on 123 together as England closed day three of the second Test against New Zealand with a lead of 231 on 202 for three.

Neither player could go on to a maiden hundred – but after Stuart Broad (six for 54) led the way as the Kiwis were bowled out for 278 at Hagley Park, the twin half-centuries enhanced England’s prospects of squaring the series with a first Test win of a tough winter.

It also ensured opener Stoneman and number three Vince should retain their positions for the start of the summer to come.

Thorpe said: “They’re in charge of their destiny every time they walk to the crease with an England shirt on.

“Ultimately it’s up to them to be able to take that next step for themselves and go beyond their career-best scores and into threefigures.

“I’m sure both of them would have loved to have got hundreds, and gone on for their own confidence.

“But they’ll still get a good pat off us in the dressing-room, because it’s easy to shrink sometimes at this level, so it’s important they both stood up.”

James Vince hits out during day three in Christchurch.