ENGLAND Lions coach Mark Robinson praised James Vince’s captaincy after the one-day series win against South Africa A.

Vince skippered the Lions to a 3-1 win after scoring 261 runs at 130.5 in the two drawn four-day matches. The 23 year-old contributed another 156 in the four 50-over matches and impressed Robinson with his leadership skills.

The Sussex coach said: “It was pleasing because he’s not got away on these Lions tours before. So for him to get runs in the ‘Test’ matches and then for him to have the experience of captaining an England team at whatever level is an honour, and he rose to it, which I hoped he would.

“I’d seen him with the England Under-19s, I’d seen him with Hampshire and myself and the management team felt the extra responsibility would help him grow and it certainly seemed to happen. He’s played really well through the whole tour and in particular the one-dayers, and he’s led the team really well.”

Vince is now enjoying a break before joining his Hampshire teammates for pre-season training ahead of next month’s trip to Barbados. “It was my first Lions tour where I’ve played a part in every game I think,” said Vince, who long with Jonny Bairstow was one of only two ever-presents in the eight matches.

“To get runs early doors and get some confidence, and when Robbo asked me to be captain that gave me another boost.

"The lads reacted brilliantly; I couldn’t have asked for any more of them. To come here against a strong side, both in the ‘Test’ matches where we got two draws and to win 3-1 in the one-dayers, was a great effort, and the great thing was everyone contributed at times.”