James Vince returns to Sixers
The Sydney Sixers are excited to announce the signing of England World Cup winning batter James Vince for BBL|09.
The captain of Hampshire in England’s county cricket competition, Vince played the second half of BBL|08 last summer as a replacement for fellow England international Joe Denly and impressed those that matter in the Harbour City.
Vince has represented his country in all formats of the game and this year was part of England’s tournament winning World Cup one day squad, playing his last ODI against Australia at Lord’s in July.
Equally as at home calmly building a total as he is at taking it to an attack, Vince is also adept at scoring on both sides of the wicket.
The 28-year-old right-hander joins fellow Englishman Tom Curran at the Sixers and said he was looking forward to helping the club improve on last summer’s semi-final appearance in the new five-team finals format.
“I’m delighted to be returning to the sixers for BBL|09,” Vince said.
“My family and I were made to feel very welcome at the Sixers and had a wonderful time living in Sydney.
“The SCG is an amazing stadium to play at and we had some great support there last season. I look forward to more of the same this season.
“Having lost out in the semis in BBL|08 I’m hoping we can go all the way this time around.
“There is a huge amount of talent in the squad and some great people at the club. I’m looking forward to contributing to what is hopefully going to be a great BBL for the Sixers.”
Experienced Sixers head coach Greg Shipperd said Vince earned plenty of admiration during his eight-game stint with the Sixers in BBL|08.
“We are delighted to have secured James Vince as our second international player for the coming season, BBL|09,” Shipperd said.
“James made a huge impression within our group through his consistent performance in the vital number three position that assisted the team reaching the semi-finals.
“As captain of his county Hampshire, and an England player, he brings great knowledge, leadership and calm to our group.”
Shipperd also paid tribute to Vince’s ability with the willow.
“He is one of the sweetest strikers of the ball in the world, with a rare purity of strokes on both sides of the wicket making him tough to contain,” Shipperd said.
“Who can forget his breathtaking unbeaten partnership with Josh Philippe at the SCG?
“He will compliment beautifully our opening duo of Philippe and Daniel Hughes.”