James Vince putting century near-miss behind him ahead of BBL title tilt

RICHARD EDWARDS: Sydney Sixers can make it back-to-back titles this weekend when they face the much-fancied Perth Scorchers, giving the Hampshire batsman another chance to add a medal to the trophy cabinet

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James Vince is widely-recognised as one of the most unflappable individuals in world cricket.

But even he lost his cool – albeit with his eyes rather than his tongue - when Andrew Tye fired the ball down the leg-side for a wide that not only sent the Sydney Sixers into the Big Bash final but denied Vince a well-deserved century. 

When The Cricketer catches up with the Hampshire captain, who was left stranded on 98 not out, his poise has been regained. He’s even prepared to give Tye the benefit of the doubt, although you sense that he’s not entirely convinced.

"On reflection, at the start of that over I was happy for Hughey (Daniel Hughes) to finish it off, it’s just the fact that I made a decent contribution and we’re in the final, that’s enough," said Vince, whose one and only T20 century came for Hants in 2015.

The irony is that the qualifying system for the Big Bash means that Vince will have an opportunity to reacquaint himself with Tye again at the SCG, after the Perth Scorchers blitzed the Brisbane Heat in the BBL decider on Thursday (February 4).

It’s another intriguing prospect for the 30,000 plus crowd expected at the SCG for the tournament’s denouement on Saturday (February 6). For Vince, it’s also another opportunity for him to demonstrate the talents that have had the Sixers’ supporters swooning again this winter.

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Whether England are taking note remains to be seen. 

"It’s one more big game and then on the plane home," he says. "I’m not really thinking about that stuff (England selection). I’ve been in and out for a few years prior to now. I’m trying to use these tournaments to show people what I can do. I’ve still got a bit of time left in me so hopefully, I can force my way back in, hopefully, that happens. 

"But, for now, I’m just focusing on each tournament as it comes. I enjoy playing for the Sixers, I enjoy being part of this franchise, this is my third year. It’s nice to have a couple of teams in the winter where I feel part of the furniture a little bit. Then I’ll be back to Hampshire, which is home. I’m looking forward to seeing those guys as well.” 

First up, though, it’s the chance to add another Big Bash title to the one he picked up in Sydney last winter when the Sixers beat Melbourne Stars by 19 runs. 

And despite the obvious financial attraction of playing in franchise cricket, Vince insists that its winners' medals, rather than the remuneration which remains his priority.

"That’s exactly the reason we play," Vince adds. "Obviously it’s work as well but there’s nothing better than being around a group and really feeling part of something. Especially after the trip, we’ve had this year when we haven’t even been able to play in Sydney. Last year was really good but it would be really nice to be on the plane again with another winners’ medal.

^{Vince and Tye will go head-to-head again this weekend}

"That’s the main reason you play the game and what brings the most fun and enjoyment to its all. Hopefully, we can finish on a high on Saturday."

After touching down at Heathrow, he’ll head off to see his young family before hopping back on a plane to head to the Pakistan Super League. 

"I’m going to the PSL, so there will be five or six days at home and then off to Pakistan. It’s a shorter tournament, so it runs for a month from start to finish. Then I’ll give myself three or four weeks prep before the cricket starts at home. 

"I’ve not heard anything about the season being delayed. We play six or seven four-day games at the start of the season, whether that’s in front of no crowd or a small number of members – at the minute that doesn’t look likely – but when May comes around it would be great to get some supporters in for the Championship matches. 

"Some of the older members would hopefully have been vaccinated by then. They didn’t have any cricket last year so to have them in, even in limited numbers, would be fantastic."

Watching Vince in full flow is a sight that Hampshire members have missed above all else since September 2019. On Saturday, meanwhile, Sixers fans will hope he can continue where he left off against the Scorchers.

If Vince is in the mood, it's not wide of the mark to suggest that Tye could find himself in the line of fire.