The Prince of Nottinghamshire?

2008-08-06 20:01

Nottingham - Nottinghamshire director of cricket Mick Newell confirmed on Wednesday that South Africa batsman Ashwell Prince will join the county later this month.

Prince, 31, is set to make his Nottinghamshire debut in a Pro40 match against Durham Dynamos at Trent Bridge on August 19 as he is not required for South Africa's one-day internationals against England.

"Ashwell has shown in this series that he's a match-winner and the fact that he's already in England with his family added to the attraction of signing him," Newell said.

"He's in form and it's always good to sign a player who is playing with confidence. He'll join us at a vital stage of the season and add quality to our middle order.

"He's an excellent fielder and he isn't involved in South Africa's one-day international fixtures so he fits the bill for perfectly."

Prince, who made his Test debut against Australia in 2002 and captained South Africa in their tour of Sri Lanka in 2006, believes he can aid Nottinghamshire's bid for the County Championship title.

"Nottinghamshire are in contention for silverware and I'm confident that I can add some experience to the team at an important stage of the season," Prince said.

"I know that I am joining a competitive team and I have kept my eye on the results ever since the interest was expressed.

"I spoke to Stuart Broad at Headingley long before the deal was concluded and he told me that the set-up was good and that Trent Bridge is a great place to play cricket.

"I'm not in the South Africa one-day squad which frees up my time and hopefully there will be an opportunity for me to play more county cricket in the future.

"A lot of quality overseas players have gone before me at Notts and I want to score runs for the team."

- AFP