Adams: Vince can make number three spot his own
JIMMY ADAMS believes James Vince can use his Ashes experience as a platform for a lengthy career in the England top order.
Vince’s former county captain has been impressed by his progress Down Under, with the Hampshire man having top scored twice in six England innings. His valiant 55 in the second innings against a rampant Aussie attack under cloudy Western Australia skies was cut short by a freak delivery from Mitchell Starc – but it once again provided ample evidence of his ability to take the attack to perhaps the best bowling side in world cricket.
Vince had come in for criticism in Adelaide for once again nicking behind the wicket to balls that he could easily have left or defended. Another dismissal when well set in the first innings at the WACA could have seen him retreat into his shell. Instead he came out and played one of the innings of the series – and with two Tests remaining, Adams is confident that Vince can continue the form he showed in Perth and make England’s troublesome number three slot his own.
“I felt for him (in the second innings). Everyone had been picking apart his dismissals, then he gets a ball no-one would have been able to play,” says Adams.
“When you get out in that sort of way you know that things are going against you (as a team) but it was great to see the people that have been on his back giving him the credit he deserves. It’s a shame he couldn’t carry on and really silence the doubters but there’s no doubt that he has got the game.
“He’s scoring at good pace against possibly the best attack in the world, given that they’re all fit, and he’s shown that he’s capable of, if not dominating, then certainly taking the attack to them.”
Vince has always looked the part for Hampshire, establishing himself as perhaps the most aesthetically pleasing batsman on the county circuit. Even in England colours, Vince has maintained the kind of style that earned him that reputation. 10 Weeks/Issues £20 £20 £20 £20 The Cricket Paper The Football League Paper The Non-League Paper The Rugby Paper Late Tackle Football Magazine Racing Ahead Magazine
Sadly for him, that style has, more often than not, ended with him edging to the wicketkeeper or slips with his trademark coverdrive when well set. There were signs at Perth that Vince is now more comfortable in his unfamiliar number three slot.
If he fails to score runs in either Melbourne or Sydney, though, Adams believes that the knives will be out again, particularly if he fails to build on a start, a common gripe through his Test career.
“The way he plays sometimes does play against him,” says the former Hampshire skipper. “The thing that has impressed me, though, is he has looked technically capable of delivering at three – because he’s actually batting out of position in an ideal world.” 20 Weeks/Issues £40 £40 £40 £40 Six Months £13.75 (5 issues) £16 (6 issues) 40 Weeks/Issues £80 £80 £80 £80
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