Hampshire batsman James Vince believes his game is well suited to playing for Englad in Australia during the forthcoming Ashes series.

Vince is expected to bat at number three after being included in England's 16-man squad with Hampshire teammate Mason Crane.

He said: "It is very special. To play for England last summer was special but to be called up for an Ashes tour is probably the best thing that can happen.

"I guess it has come from nowhere really. I had my winter planned out with my T20 stuff and I hadn't really thought about the possibility of a call-up.

"I don't read a huge amount in the press so it has come as a surprise and hopefully I can get out there and play a part and do well."

Vince, who has played in the Big Bash for Sydney Thunder, made all of his seven Test appearances last summer. 

"I have played bits and pieces in Australia and, with the Kookaburra ball and generally pretty good batting wickets, it's a different test to playing in England where there is more lateral movement," he continued.

"You have to deal with pace out there and I feel that my game is pretty well-suited to playing against pace and when I have played in Australia and South Africa in those conditions I have enjoyed batting there.

"My white-ball form has been really good and, if anything, I'd have said I was closer to being picked in white-ball stuff so it did come as a surprise.

"My plans in the last 24 hours have changed a huge amount. I can't wait to get out there and get stuck in and hopefully have a good tour."

Crane, who played in the Sheffield Shield for New South Wales earlier this year, said: "It's everyone's dream to go to an away Ashes and hopefully I'll get the opportunity to contribute and help bring the Ashes home which is everyone's dream.

"I was trying very hard to not think about it and stay in the moment, as it were.

"During the West Indies series I really enjoyed that and it was a great experience. It was amazing to be around the guys then and now I've got another chance in the Ashes.

"It is the tour you all want to go on and I have been lucky enough to be selected in the squad and hopefully I can go on and contribute in some way, whether that's playing or not. Hopefully I do get a game but we'll have to see how it goes.

"The West Indies series was a taster for me. I didn't get a game at Lord's, as I was hoping I would, but that's the way the game goes and now I've been around the lads I have got to take that experience forward.

"I've had a lot of messages from guys I've played with and were associated with at my club in Australia last year and it will be awesome to see them again. It's been a very interesting year.

"Twelve months ago I was going out to play grade cricket and then came the North/South series and then this season, when I could have contributed more in red-ball cricket, if I'm honest, but I've made a start with England and hopefully there's more to come."