Former Chippenham Cricket Club starlet James Vince says he played the innings of his life after top-scoring on his first class debut for Hampshire.

The 18-year-old, who has also represented Wiltshire at minor county level, was a surprise call-up for the County Championship game against Nottinghamshire last week and hit 75 in the second innings.

Vince, from Steeple Ashton, says while the eleventh hour call was unexpected, he did not feel out of his depth and now wants to cement his place in the team.

“I found out I was in the team about an hour before the game,” he said. “It was a bit surprising and I wasn’t really expecting it.

“I was a bit nervous and I had a day in the field to think about it as well before I got a chance to bat.

“The older players were great and they all had a word with me, but ultimately it’s all down to you and I’m pretty confident.

“It felt really good when I was out there and hitting the ball cleanly. I felt up to standard and didn’t feel out of my depth at all.

“It was a bit disappointing to get out first ball after tea in the second innings but that’s got to be my favourite ever innings.”

Vince made 13 in the first innings before going on to compile a classy 75, including 13 boundaries, on the final day of Hampshire’s loss.

The former Warminster School pupil was even brought on to bowl two overs in Nottingham’s second innings but does not see himself as a future all-rounder.

“That was a bit surprising. I think they just brought me on to bowl long-hops for them to hit,” he joked.

“Notts were going well at the time when I came on. I’m not the fastest though and I’m not sure they’d want me to do it again.”

Vince has also been selected for the ongoing game against Lancashire and is keen to feature in next week’s Twenty20 cup fixtures.

“One-day cricket is my forte and if I do well this week I have a chance,” he said.