WILTSHIRE cricketer James Vince has opted against competing in this year's Indian Premier League in an effort to boost his chances of representing England in Tests.

Vince, whose family are from Steeple Ashton, was the leading run-scorer in last year's NatWest T20 Blast and has made an impression in his three international appearances in the format.

But while the likes of Jos Buttler and Sam Billings will be entered into the IPL auction, former Warminster School pupil Vince is keen to start his first full season as captain of Hampshire in all formats in earnest.

With England's middle order also uncertain following the recent Test series victory in South Africa, Hampshire director of cricket Giles White thinks the ex-Warminster and Chippenham CC player will be looking to force his way into the selectors' minds.

White told the club's official website: "I think James can see what is ahead of him right now.

"He is very much in the space that he wants to play Test cricket and going into the IPL at this time might narrow that opportunity.

"Runs early season with Hampshire will push his case, and that's his goal right now."

Vince and Hampshire team, from Calne,mate Liam Dawson produced encouraging displays for England Lions against Pakistan A, the former thumping a century in the third of five 50-over matches while the latter finished the series as leading wicket-taker.

Despite the Lions losing 3-2, White believes the pair have done enough to earn places in England's squad for the ICC World Twenty20, which gets under way next month in India.

He said: "After performing so well on the Lions tour, I'm sure they will both be in the selectors' mind.

"They will both have a nervous wait now, but they are both well in with a chance.

"The selectors will know what they are looking for - Liam will give you all-round ability and a spin option and they know what James will offer with the bat and in the field, so now they will just be looking at which players will best make up the squad."