James Vince wants to make the most of Pakistan series and replace Alex Hales in World Cup squad

The exclusion of hard-hitting batsman Alex Hales from England’s World Cup squad because of drug use could open the doors for James Vince and the in-form batsman is harbouring a high hope. The 28-year-old is currently playing in the ODI series against Pakistan and the 190 he scored against Gloucestershire last month in the Royal London One-Day Cup has made his case even stronger.

Vince scored 18 in the one-off T20I against Pakistan and did not get to bat in the first ODI at the Oval which was washed out. The right-hand batsman though was not picked for the second ODI in Southampton on Saturday. England team got a really good start and even converted it into a big score against a weak looking Pakistani bowling attack.

It has given me an opportunity

Speaking about his chances of making it to the World Cup squad, Vince said had Hales been still around, it would have been harder for him.

“If he was here I don’t think I’d be here now I’m not going to say too much on his situation but it has given me an opportunity. It’s great to be back among the lads and I want to push my case to get into that World Cup squad,” Cricbuzz cited reports quoting Vince as saying.

England had picked their 15-man preliminary squad last month but then the dramatic turn of events over Hales saw him getting dropped. The hosts have time till May 23 to finalise the squad. They will kick off their campaign against South Africa on May 30 at the Oval.

Vince was looking forward to making an impact with the bat in the first ODI along with the likes of Mohammad Amir of Pakistan but was left frustrated by the rain gods. Pakistan scored 80 for 2 in 19 overs when the game was stopped and eventually abandoned.

Jofra Archer, the other player is also expected to be making the England squad, however, had his chances to impress as he took a wicket conceding just four runs in six overs in the game.

Vince made his ODI debut for England in 2015 but has got to play only eight games till date in which he has scored a fifty.

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