England cricket team’s comeback in the second Test match has opened gates for more excitement in the 4-match series. The English bowlers, after the return of James Anderson and Ben Stokes, looked a far better bowling unit than what they looked at Lord’s. It was, however, the English batsmen who had set up the win for England.
The only matter of concern for England, right now, is that the ‘English batsmen’ these days equals to just three names-Alastair Cook, Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow. While others are still looking in some sort of touch, it is James Vince, whose form has not been great ever since he made his debut two months ago.
In the seven innings that Vince has played since making his debut, he has scored 130 runs, with a dismal average of 18.57. His highest score stands at 42 against Pakistan, which also came in a losing cause. This was a match, where England needed him the most as their innings were in tatters.
Vince got out against Pakistan in the Manchester Test on 18, which was the third lowest individual score, behind Alex Hales (10) and Moeen Ali (2) who returned unbeaten.
The other factor to assess Vince’s performance is by looking at the quality of bowling he has faced in the last two series he has been part of. Against Sri Lanka, England scored a plenty of runs. Sri Lanka’s bowling unit looked in complete discomfort and this was taken full advantage by the other English batters. But even against them, Vince managed only 54 runs in 5 innings.
The Birmingham Test between England and Pakistan should come as another opportunity for James Vince, and hopefully not his last. But for him, from here, every opportunity should be looked upon as the last opportunity as there is some great talent still warming bench in England team.
