Auckland Aces sign England international James Vince

Vince is an impressive batting all-rounder and who has played 26 games for England including 13 tests and seven T20s. He was part of the England team that toured New Zealand earlier in 2018.

At county level, Vince is captain of the Hampshire team in all forms of the game, with an impressive T20 top score of 109*. He has also played in the Big Bash League for the Sydney Thunder.

Aces coach Mark O’Donnell believes Vince is a perfect complement to the existing line-up.

“When we had the opportunity to bring James in it was an easy decision.”

“It’s vital any overseas player adds more than just cricketing ability to the changing room. We have no doubt James will do this and we’re looking forward to welcoming him to Auckland.”

O’Donnell says that Vince’s 155 games of experience will be crucial when senior players Colin Munro and Martin Guptill are unavailable.

Last season’s overseas player, Sam Curran, has gone on to have a stellar 2018 after starting the year with the Aces.

Professional Cricket Manager Simon Insley says that the past two seasons Auckland has brought in up-and-coming players who have gone onto international success and earned big money in the IPL.

“Having built that kind of reputation we have been able to bring in James who is already a well-known player in world cricket,” says Insley

“He’ll be a great mentor for our young batting line-up, and will contribute as a leader on and off the field, having captained Hampshire for the past three seasons.”

Vince will be arriving in Auckland on 27 December, and will play his first game for the Auckland Aces against the Kings on 1 January 2019.

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