Ashes 2017: James Vince hits back at Australian doubters who didn't know who he was before his 83 on day one

James Vince offered a timely riposte to England’s critics on day one of the first Ashes Test at Brisbane. The Hampshire batsman, a surprise selection for this tour, chose the biggest innings of his life to make his highest Test score of 83, and afterwards admitted that the lack of respect shown to England’s rookie batsmen had been a source of motivation.

In particular Vince answered the criticism of former Australian great Matthew Hayden, who claimed in advance of the series: “I look down the list, and I honestly don’t even know who half of these guys are.” Hayden was referring to England’s inexperienced top order, but after a strong batting day at the Gabba, Vince retorted: “If he didn’t know who we were, he does now."

He went on: “Reading comments like that almost gives you an extra incentive to go out there and try and make a statement. It’s nice to spend some time in the middle, get some confidence. I’ve had stuff [criticism] since I got called up, which gives you a bit more inspiration to prove people wrong.”

Vince could have become the first England batsman since Maurice Leyland in 1936-37 to score a century on the first day of an Ashes series Down Under. As it is, he fell just short, run out taking a risky single to Nathan Lyon at cover. “I’m sure, lying in bed, I’ll have a few thoughts about it,” he said. “It was a good bit of fielding, a good pick up and throw.”

But amid the disappointment, there was a certain pride at finally having arrived at the highest level of the game after an abortive first swing at Test cricket in 2016. “At the start of the day, if you’d offered me 80, I’d probably have taken it,” he said. “I actually felt reasonably calm considering it was my first knock in Test cricket for a little while.”

England reached stumps on 196 for four, and Vince said the game was “reasonably even” ahead of day two. “The morning’s crucial for us,” he said. “We spoke about trying to get overs in their bowlers’ legs. With only three seamers, coming back tomorrow might be hard work. The guys we’ve got coming in can score quickly and build towards 300, 350, even 400 if we do well.”

Australia’s Pat Cummins also declared it an even day, expressing surprise at England’s cautious approach. “They looked pretty intent on saving their wickets,” he said. “It’s pretty evenly poised. They batted quite well, but didn’t get away from us. I don’t think we’re going to blast them out tomorrow, so we’re going to have to stay disciplined.”

Cummins reckons the Gabba pitch will quicken up over the next two days. “It was pretty soft and a little bit slower than we thought earlier on this morning,” he said. “It might take another day or so to get back to the really quick Gabba wicket we all know.”