By Andy Wilson
James Vince made a memorable unbeaten century to secure a hard-earned draw for England Lions in their second four-day match against South Africa A, meaning the two-match series was also deadlocked at 0-0.
The Lions resumed the last day on 212 for four with a flimsy lead of only 61, and quickly lost Jonny Bairstow caught behind off Rory Kleinveldt.
But Vince maintained his concentration to extend his overnight 61 to 152, the Hampshire batsman’s first hundred for the Lions.
. @vincey14 walks off for lunch unbeaten on 123 #EngLions https://t.co/HcxQtwa9JG
— England Cricket (@ECB_cricket) January 21, 2015
He received excellent support from Adil Rashid for most of the morning session, but there was still work to do after lunch when Liam Plunkett was bowled with the Lions lead still only 169 ahead.
But Mark Wood joined Vince to see the tourists to safety in an unbroken eighth-wicket stand of 72, the Durham seamer ending unbeaten on an excellent 44.
The teams shook hands on a draw before tea with the Lions declaring their second innings on 402 for seven, and Vince on 152 from 291 balls in 396 minutes including a six over midwicket as well as his 22 fours.
Lions skipper Jonathan Trott, who played a similar match-saving innings in the first game in Paarl - and will now return home while two reshaped teams contest a five-match one-day series, said: “I think James played fantastically well.
A first #englions century for @vincey14 with a quick single to mid on. And 50 stand with @AdilRashid03 . 277-5, lead 116, new ball due
— England Cricket (@ECB_cricket) January 21, 2015
“The situation he came in with myself last night, we were about 100 runs behind, and to be able to bat for the amount of time he did in this heat and a bit of humidity as well is fantastic credit to him.
“He looked good in the last game as well, he’s been fantastic how he’s been able to apply himself here and score all around the wicket as well which is the key to being a successful international cricketer.
"I’ve always thought the future’s bright but this has just confirmed it. I haven’t seen James play for a while before this tour and it’s pleasing to see he’s developed into a fine cricketer.”
Proud of the @ECB_cricket Lions for battling so hard over the last couple of weeks, shame we couldn't get that win! pic.twitter.com/I5jbG82t9f
— Jonathan Trott (@Trotty) January 21, 2015