Vince calls on Hampshire to get smarter in T20

HAMPSHIRE captain James Vince admitted his side need to be smarter with bat and ball after losing by five wickets at Glamorgan.
James Vince. Picture: Dave Vokes / LMI PhotographyJames Vince. Picture: Dave Vokes / LMI Photography
James Vince. Picture: Dave Vokes / LMI Photography

Vince, back from international duty with England for two T20 games with the county, has seen them win one and lose one.

He returns to the England camp on Monday ahead of the third Test against Sri Lanka at Lords.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Though Hampshire beat Kent in his other game at the Ageas Bowl, Vince accepts they have not been convincing in either game.

‘Even though we beat Kent I have to admit that we were probably not at our best,’ said Vince.

‘Then with the batting line-up that we have it was disappointing to be bowled out inside the 20 overs.

‘We still need to remain positive in the way we play but we need to be a bit smarter both with bat and ball.

‘Hopefully if we do that we can string a few wins together.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

‘It was a lack of smartness in the middle overs that cost us tonight.

‘We always approach the power play overs in the same way to try to get a good start.

‘However, we couldn’t get a partnership going to put them on the back foot.

‘They kept taking wickets which helped keep them on top.

‘It was a good pitch.

‘And we felt at the interval that we were short of runs.’

Against Kent the previous night Hampshire battled back from a losing position.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Once again the onus was on the bowlers to try and retrieve the situation and at the start it looked as if they could repeat the trick.

‘We had then nine for two,’ said Vince.

‘It was a chance to put some pressure on but we didn’t quite execute it right with the ball.

‘There were some balls to hit and they really took the game away from us.

‘We missed a chance in the field which makes a massive difference in this format.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Glamorgan played well but we could have executed our skills a lot better up front.

‘Afridi and Liam Dawson bowled well but it wasn’t enough.

‘Perhaps last night and tonight we threw it away too much with too many soft dismissals.

‘I am always keen to come back and play as many games as I can for Hampshire.

‘The two Test matches for England have been amazing and I have not felt out of place.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

‘I am gradually easing myself in and the fact the next Test match is at Lord’s makes it special,’

Vince will miss Hampshire’s one-day game against Essex at the Ageas Bowl on Sunday as he rests ahead of returning to duty with the England Test side.