Former England captain Alastair Cook has given his backing to James Vince to top the order for his country in this summer's Ashes series.

Vince has been out of the England squad since the Test in March 2018 against New Zealand.

However, Cook believes the 28-year-old, who will open for Hampshire against Essex, has the capability to, not just get back in the side, but open.

"I’ve always thought Vincey’s a fantastic cricketer," Cook said, as per The Metro.

"You know, that 80-odd at Brisbane [in the first Ashes Test — you’re a serious player to play like he did against that attack in that situation after all the build-up and pressure over five or six weeks before that.

"England haven’t seen the best of him, but the move up to the top of the order could be what he needs to do it.

"I’ve sat and watched him play and dreamed of some of the shots he can play. I hope he doesn’t score too many runs against Essex but I think the top of the order could suit him really well."

The Hampshire captain held conversations with England selector Ed Smith as well as captain Joe Root about his future.

He was told that he has a better chance of being in that Ashes line-up the further he can get up the batting order.

Vince is confident that his move up the order is not only beneficial for his own aspirations, but also for his club side Hampshire.

"Opening for Hampshire isn't a decision based purely on my future and trying to get back in the England side. Jimmy Adams retired last season and we've lost an experienced opener.

"Going from number three to opening isn't a massive jump. It will be more of a mental thing and I think we've got a lot of people at Hampshire who are comfortable in the middle order," he told BBC Radio Solent.