James Vince, who scored 83 in England's 196-4 on Day One, slams ex-Oz opener for his pre-Ashes talk
James Vince intends to ensure everyone in Australia knows who he is for the rest of this winter's Ashes. That includes Australia great Matthew Hayden after Vince's 83 at the Gabba helped the tourists to 196 for four on a cagey, rain-shortened first day of the series. Vince, who has previously played Down Under as an overseas star for Sydney Thunder, was spurred on to make a success of his Test comeback after hearing Hayden join the Australian chorus querying the international pedigree of the majority of the England team. Former Test opener Hayden singled out captain Joe Root and other senior players, but otherwise described England as a "rabble" - before asking "Who are they?"
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Matthew Hayden
Extra motivation
Vince also had critics to answer back home, where many questioned his inclusion on this tour after he was dropped with a sub-20 average and joint top-score of 42 in seven Tests up to August last year. "Reading comments like that almost gives you an extra incentive to go out there and try to make a statement," said the 26-year-old England No. 3, who shared a crucial century stand with opener Mark Stoneman (53).
England's James Vince in full flow against Australia at the Gabba in Brisbane yesterday. Pic/Getty Images
"If he [Hayden] didn't know who we were at the start of the day, he probably does now. "I guess it just gives you a bit more inspiration and fight to go out there and try to prove people wrong." Vince naturally had mixed feelings nonetheless, after he was run out by Nathan Lyon's direct-hit from cover with a century on Ashes debut apparently beckoning. "In hindsight I wouldn't take the run, but it was a good pick-up and throw," he said of the off-spinner, who was far from flattered by his figures of 24-9-40-0. 'Lyon bowled pretty well' "He bowled pretty well, and deserved something from the day. It's disappointing obviously - no matter what score a batter gets, they always want more."
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