James Vince takes a subtle dig at Matthew Hayden

The 2017-18 Ashes has been a widely discussed affair long before it even started. Although the England side is a tad bit inexperienced compared to the regular, seasoned teams that this regal tournament demands, the Joe Root-led unit refuses to back down. Having played a spectacular inning on the first day of the first Test at Brisbane, English batsman James Vince spoke at length about his day’s exploits and how Australian veterans must be acquainted with his name now.

Vince, along with opener Mark Stoneman, were handed the responsibility of fortifying England’s batting efforts after the veteran opener, Alastair Cook was dismissed for just 2 runs. The Ashes debutants went on to put up a 125-run partnership between themselves and Vince registered an individual score of 83 runs before he was sent back to the pavilion owing to a spectacular throw at the stumps by Nathan Lyon. Before this game, the two batsmen had a meagre experience of playing just 10 Tests between themselves.

Vince confident of Matthew Hayden knowing his name now

In conversation with the reporters after the first day’s play, the 26-year old said, “If he (Matthew Hayden) didn’t know who we were at the start of the day, then probably does now. I think reading comments like that almost gives you an extra incentive to go out there and try and make a statement.”

This came as a befitting reply to Hayden’s remark prior to the Ashes of not knowing half the players of the current England team. He went on to say, “There’s a bit of chat around and I’ve had stuff since I’ve got called up after my last effort at test cricket — it gives you a bit more inspiration and bit more fight to go out there and prove people wrong.”

When asked about his dismissal at 17 runs short of a century, Vince remarked, “In hindsight I wouldn’t have taken the run, but it was a good pick up and throw to be fair. Lyon bowled pretty well and deserved something from the day.”

He concluded by saying, “It’s (not getting a century) disappointing, obviously no matter what score a batter gets he wants to score more. I’m sure lying in bed I’ll have a few thoughts about (missing out a century) but at the same time at the start of the day if you offered me scoring 80-odd I probably would have taken it. So I’ll look at the positives.”