Vince can't wait to become skipper

The Hampshire batsman will lead the Lions in the first of five one-day matches against their South Africa counterparts. It will be his first experience of leading a team in 50-over competition.

Vince impressed in leading Hampshire to a record fifth successive Finals Day last season after becoming the county’s youngest post-war captain.

But Vince is yet to lead Hampshire in the other formats so will be taking on a new skill-set when he captains the likes of Jonny Bairstow, Liam Plunkett and Ben Stokes in Bloemfontein.

“It’s a new challenge but one I’m looking forward to,” he said. “I was a bit surprised to be asked but looking round the squad, although there are guys who have played international cricket, there aren’t many with captaincy experience.”

Vince is Hampshire’s first England captain at any level since Liam Dawson led the Under-19s in a one-day series in South Africa six years ago. And he is full of confidence after scoring 261 runs at 130.5 during the two drawn four-day ‘Tests’ against South Africa A, including his match-saving 152 not out in Bloemfontein.

Prior to this tour he had struggled for the Lions, averaging 18.7 in all cricket, but he has now turned a corner under the guidance of former Sussex coach Mark Robinson.

He said: “I haven’t done much for the Lions before but this time I was pretty sure I was going to get a run in the side. I’ve been on a few tours now and it’s got easier each time.”

Vince starred in two match-saving century partnerships with Lions four-day captain Jonathan Trott, after coming in at 67-3 in Paarl and 81-3 in Bloemfontein.

“We were under the pump and the fact that I adapted to the conditions against South Africa’s second string attack was very pleasing. As well as the heat and humidity the wickets had more bounce.”

The five-match one-day series take place in Bloemfontein, Kimberley, Potchefstroom, Pretoria and Benoni over the next 12 days.