Batsman swerves IPL to concentrate on Hampshire and England

The IPL auction takes place this weekend and, if purchased, the 24-year-old would have been ruled out of the early skirmishes of the domestic campaign.

But Vince has chosen not to take up his place in the sale, opting instead to concentrate on leading Hampshire in County Championship division one and forcing his way into England’s Test side.

Hampshire’s director of cricket Giles White said: ‘James can see what is ahead of him right now.

‘He wants to play Test cricket and going into the IPL at this time might narrow that opportunity.

‘Runs early season with Hampshire will push his case and that’s his goal right now.’

Vince led the England Lions against Pakistan A in the UAE this winter.

Despite a 3-2 series defeat, the right-handed batsman excelled with 236 runs at 47.20 and a top score of 102.

His Hampshire team-mate Liam Dawson also impressed, topping the bowling charts with eight wickets at 26.00 and weighing in with 171 runs.

Vince will now join England’s t20 squad for two fixtures in South Africa as he bids to press his claims for a seat on the plane to the World t20, which starts in India next month.