James Vince needs to score hundreds to prove he can be a long-term top-order batsman for England, according to Michael Vaughan and Ricky Ponting.
Playing in his first Test match since August 2016, Hampshire star Vince scored a fluent and impressive 83 on day one of the opening Ashes clash in Brisbane.
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The 26-year-old looked in little trouble against Australia’s formidable pace attack and was only dislodged when Nathan Lyon produced a moment of magic to run him out.
Vince has long been viewed as a Test cricketer and Vaughan believes he has the talent to develop into a key player for Trevor Bayliss’ side.
However, the former England skipper is refusing to get carried away by Vince’s start and says he needs big scores to cement a place in the side.
‘No, not yet,’ Vaughan told BT Sport when asked whether he was convinced the Hampshire man had a bright international career ahead of him.
‘You need hundreds to establish yourself at this level. He averaged 32 at home last summer so it was a brave selection.
‘They needed a number three and they looked at the way he plays and thought he would be suited to Australian pitches.
‘Even after yesterday he still averages 25 in Test cricket. He played some wonderful shots and controlled the innings but I’m sure he woke up today thinking I’ve missed out on a hundred there.’
Former Australia skipper Ponting, who won the Ashes five times during his impressive career, added: ‘He played beautifully through the off-side, he looked right at home.
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‘The defence was really good and he put the bad balls away. Michael’s right, though, he will be waking up thinking I wish I was out there again on a hundred.’
Vince’s innings helped England reach the close of play on day one at the Gabba on 196-4 with Moeen Ali and Dawid Malan at the crease.
MORE: Kevin Pietersen criticises England’s approach on day one of first Ashes Test
James Vince needs to score hundreds to prove he can be a long-term top-order batsman for England, according to Michael Vaughan and Ricky Ponting.
Playing in his first Test match since August 2016, Hampshire star Vince scored a fluent and impressive 83 on day one of the opening Ashes clash in Brisbane.
More: Cricket
The 26-year-old looked in little trouble against Australia’s formidable pace attack and was only dislodged when Nathan Lyon produced a moment of magic to run him out.
Vince has long been viewed as a Test cricketer and Vaughan believes he has the talent to develop into a key player for Trevor Bayliss’ side.
However, the former England skipper is refusing to get carried away by Vince’s start and says he needs big scores to cement a place in the side.
‘No, not yet,’ Vaughan told BT Sport when asked whether he was convinced the Hampshire man had a bright international career ahead of him.
‘You need hundreds to establish yourself at this level. He averaged 32 at home last summer so it was a brave selection.
‘They needed a number three and they looked at the way he plays and thought he would be suited to Australian pitches.
‘Even after yesterday he still averages 25 in Test cricket. He played some wonderful shots and controlled the innings but I’m sure he woke up today thinking I’ve missed out on a hundred there.’
Former Australia skipper Ponting, who won the Ashes five times during his impressive career, added: ‘He played beautifully through the off-side, he looked right at home.
More: Cricket
‘The defence was really good and he put the bad balls away. Michael’s right, though, he will be waking up thinking I wish I was out there again on a hundred.’
Vince’s innings helped England reach the close of play on day one at the Gabba on 196-4 with Moeen Ali and Dawid Malan at the crease.
MORE: Kevin Pietersen criticises England’s approach on day one of first Ashes Test
