By Andy Wilson
James Vince thanked his team-mates and his coach Mark Robinson for helping him to enjoy the most satisfying and successful of his four England Lions tours.
The Hampshire batsman took over as captain for the one-day series against South Africa A when Jonathan Trott left, as planned, after the two four-day games, and led the Lions to a 3-1 victory.
“Yeah it’s been good, my first Lions tour where I’ve played a part in every game I think,” said Vince, who was one of only two ever-presents, with Jonny Bairstow, in the eight matches spread over 16 days of cricket on the five-week tour.
“To get runs early doors and get some confidence, and when Robbo asked me to be captain that gave me another boost. The lads reacted brilliantly; I couldn’t have asked for any more of them.
“To come here against a strong side, both in the ‘Test’ matches where we got two draws and to win 3-1 in the one-dayers, was a great effort, and the great thing was everyone contributed at times.”
Robinson praised both Vince and Trott for their leadership over the last five weeks.
“The tour had two contrasting captains in terms of experience, and they’ve both been great to work with,” he said.
“From Vincey’s point of view it was pleasing because he’s not got away on these Lions tours before. So for him to get runs in the ‘Test’ matches and then for him to have the experience of captaining an England team at whatever level is an honour, and he rose to it, which I hoped he would.
“I’d seen him with the England Under-19s, I’d seen him with Hampshire and myself and the management team felt the extra responsibility would help him grow and it certainly seemed to happen. He’s played really well through the whole tour and in particular the one-dayers, and he’s led the team really well.”
England Lions' final tour match against South Africa A. Photos: http://t.co/Zd1Am54YcWpic.twitter.com/EueL68KbUK
— England Cricket (@ECB_cricket) February 5, 2015