On Tuesday morning, 25-year-old James Vince completed his eighteenth first-class hundred. It was an innings of typical elegance from the Hampshire captain facing Yorkshire’s monumental first innings score of 593. For Vince a Test debut against Sri Lanka in May seems likely.
Vince’s 119 against Yorkshire showcased his ability to score runs under pressure. His Hampshire side look like one of the weaker outfits in Division One, and they were up against perennial title contenders in Yorkshire. Having fielded first under the new County Championship toss regulations, Hampshire were pummelled by Lyth, Bairstow and Plunkett in the first innings.
Hampshire’s innings started shakily, losing young opener Tom Alsop to leave them 9-1. Vince entered at number three and seemed equal to what is arguably the strongest County bowling attack. He paced his innings to perfection. He was watchful early on—he got off the mark on his thirteenth ball—but as he settled in he showed the flair that has earned him a strike rate of over 60 in his first-class career. The batting conditions were favourable, but facing both 593 on the board and his fellow Test hopefuls Liam Plunkett and Adil Rashid, Vince emphasised his own international credentials.
Vince’s only ODI came in a damp Malahide encounter with Ireland. In fact, the weather was so bad that England didn’t bat at all. In his four T20I appearances Vince has looked composed and consistent, if not explosive, but that composure will serve him well in the intense Test arena. With England’s batting instability Vince looks set to seize his opportunity in the longest form.
It is through tragic circumstances that this chance has arisen. James Taylor was England’s incumbent number five before a heart condition forced his premature retirement. Alex Hales and Nick Compton’s places look insecure too, but Taylor’s misfortune means there is definitely a place up for grabs.
There was a similar situation in 2006, where Marcus Trescothick’s stress-related illness cut his international career short. It was, at the time, a blow to England’s batting, but from it Alastair Cook cemented his place as Test opener, scoring nearly ten thousand runs since. Vince will hope to achieve similar success if he can feature in England’s middle order.
Vince appears to have the mental resilience to thrive at international level. Midway through last season he was appointed Hampshire captain in all formats, and despite a middling first class season personally, he led Hampshire to unlikely survival in Division One. And as the English Test side looks in the longer term for a successor to Cook as captain Vince could put himself in the running if he makes a solid start to his Test career.
In an era of abundant international fixtures, it is difficult for potential captains to get experience captaining domestic sides. Joe Root is the most likely heir to Cook’s Test crown, but in his only game as Yorkshire’s Championship captain, Middlesex successfully chased 472. It will be hard for him to become confident as a captain when he is so heavily involved in all international formats, too.
Vince, however, has had success as a domestic captain and may eventually lead England. His Hampshire side made the quarter-finals of the 50-over tournament and Finals Day in the T20 Blast to add to their four-day revival. It is not inconceivable that three years down the line, with perhaps thirty Test caps behind him, Vince could take over from Cook.
As for the immediate future, Vince would add to a vibrant young Test side. England have had an inconsistent winter, being comfortably beaten by Pakistan in the UAE before roaring back with victory in South Africa. Vince’s attacking yet technically sound style would complement a team packed with shot makers. Hosting Sri Lanka—who are seventh in the Test rankings—will be one of the gentler introductions to Test cricket for Vince and he will look to capitalise on the visitors’ young seam bowling attack.
James Vince’s classy innings against Yorkshire has strengthened his Test credentials. He could provide stability to the lineup and match the attacking cricket that has defined England in the last year. His leadership would add value to the young England side too. At 25, his potential is enormous.
