Looking likely to repeat his Houdini act

Vince, whose best so far is 42, has a total of just 130 runs in his four Tests to date at an average of 18.57.

He is running out of time to convince the doubters and this match appeared to be his final chance. Yet despite failing again in England’s first innings – scoring a scratchy 18 before being undone by yet another flashy drive – circumstances may have conspired to offer him another opportunity in next week’s third Test at Edgbaston.

England’s victory could mean they are reluctant to change a winning team. That in itself may not save Vince, who fluffed the chance to get a big score after his team were given the opportunity to bat first on a belter of a pitch.

Joe Root and Alastair Cook, piled up 506 runs between them in this match. And it was that pair’s ability to score the extra runs their side wanted yesterday morning that meant Vince was not required to bat in England’s second innings.

That would have been a horrible situation for the 25-year-old. With not enough time to make a significant score and, chasing quick runs, the likelihood is he would have fallen cheaply again.

Spared that ordeal, Vince could argue one bad shot cost him in this match, although he was also dropped on six in his only innings. Still, batting once in a landslide win may have been enough to spare him from the axe.

The injury to Ben Stokes that puts his availability for Edgbaston in doubt, is another card that has fallen in Vince’s favour. If the all-rounder is not fit then England, who would be a bowler down, would probably be forced to retain Vince and recall a seamer in Jake Ball or Steven Finn to replace Stokes.

Beyond the next Test in Birmingham, there is the question of Jos Buttler. The wicketkeeper was close to being called up as a specialist batsman for this series and even though a broken thumb now prevents him from playing, he is the man most likely to replace Vince this winter if the incumbent’s struggles continue.