Even as a teenager, England debutant James Vince was destined to achieve big things – I doubt he’ll be fazed by his Test bow May 18, 2016 I first saw James Vince when he was about 17 years old and it was immediately apparent that he was a very talented kid. Even at such a young age he was facing bowlers of 85mph plus and he always seemed to have so much time. When someone has that skill and elegance – comparisons [...]
Test rookie James Vince eager for debut as England prepare for Sri Lanka battle at Headingley May 17, 2016 Test hopeful James Vince admits it is beginning to resonate that his debut may be just hours away as England prepare to kickstart their international summer against Sri Lanka at Headingley on Thursday. Hampshire batsman Vince is poised to fill the middle-order vacancy created by the retirement of James Taylor, who was forced to call [...]
Vince and Ball handed England chance as selectors keep faith with Hales and Compton for first Test against Sri Lanka May 12, 2016 Hampshire batsman James Vince admits he was shocked after England selectors put him in line for a first Test cap in the opening match of the home series with Sri Lanka next week. The captain of the England Lions development team is joined in the 12-man squad by Nottinghamshire seamer and fellow Test newcomer Jake [...]
The ECB’s North versus South initiative should be embraced as it will boost England’s one-day credentials May 11, 2016 We have seen over the last 12 months that England’s limited-overs cricket is going from strength to strength so the announcement of a North versus South one-day series can only be a positive in my eyes. It’s just another element designed to improve the national team. The clashes will take place in Abu Dhabi each [...]
Chris Tremlett column: The secret life of a domestic cricketer May 4, 2016 I haven't missed playing at all since I announced my retirement in August last year, although that’s more to do with being in quite a lot of pain towards the end of my career due to injuries. With the domestic campaign up and running again, I wanted to give a flavour of what it’s like [...]
Retired England batsman James Taylor feared he was about to die May 2, 2016 Retired England batsman James Taylor admits he feared his life was on the line when a previously undetected heart condition reared its head and prompted a brush with death. Taylor was forced to retire from cricket last month aged just 26 after being diagnosed with a condition known as Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC). The [...]
England selectors have decisions to make: Runners and riders in the race for England Test selection this summer April 27, 2016 Three weeks tomorrow England play their opening Test match of the summer against Sri Lanka at Headingley and selectors will be considering their options. So what are England’s problem positions and what might the solutions be? Head coach Trevor Bayliss likes an aggressive opener but, as I have written previously, I am not sure Alex Hales [...]
Middlesex opener Sam Robson boosts claims for for Test recall after smashing records at Lord’s April 20, 2016 Records tumbled as Middlesex opener Sam Robson boosted his chances of earning an England recall as his side’s County Championship clash with Warwickshire at Lord’s petered out into a draw. Robson again reached three figures, scoring 106 in Middlesex’s second innings to add to the double century he notched earlier in the match, which gave [...]
There are simpler ways to boost interest and avoid empty seats than points-based system, cut ticket prices for one April 20, 2016 I don't have a problem with innovation or trying something new but I’m not convinced the proposed points-based system, mooted for the Sri Lanka tour this summer, is destined to be a rip-roaring success. The premise would be for the men’s game to follow the lead of the women’s and the winner of the series [...]
England batsman James Taylor proved that guts not size is key to success – although his retirement means Test places are up for grabs April 13, 2016 I was still at Hampshire when I first played against James Taylor, who was with Leicestershire at the time, and I remember thinking to myself when he walked out to bat: ‘My God, this guy is tiny’. At 5ft 6in he is one of the smallest cricketers I ever came up against and he was [...]