Ashwell answers News24's users
2006-07-12 15:17
Cape Town - Following an overwhelming response to our invitation to send Ashwell Prince congratulations and questions, News24 tracked down the new Proteas skipper on Wednesday and asked him the following 10 questions:
How did you find out about your selection as captain and what were your initial feelings?
Haroon Lorgat, the convenor of selectors, called me around midday on Tuesday to break the news. I'd heard that Smithy had injured his ankle and was in doubt for the tour. Obviously it's a massive honour to lead your country and the phone has been ringing off the hook with well-wishers so no complaints - it's been fantastic.
How long is your appointment as skipper for?
Just for the two Tests against Sri Lanka at this stage. We are scheduled to play in a tri-series against both Sri Lanka and India after the Test series, but Smithy is expected to be fit and to resume the captain's role.
Sri Lanka have returned from a successful tour of England and are on a high at the moment. Any special plans to combat any players in particular?
Indeed, Sri Lanka were impressive in England especially in the Twenty20 match and the one-day series. We have extensive video footage on their players and will be looking at it closely. We have an analyst who presents us with all sorts of statistics and background research into individual players with regards their batting style or bowling action for example. I believe as long as we do our homework we will be competitive.
Will you do taking Graeme Smith's fielding position in the slips or sticking with your normal position in the covers?
Well, we have a few players who usually do duty in the slip cordon missing. Smithy and Jacques (Kallis) are both missing. Good question. I actually haven't given it too much thought up until now. I'm sure coach (Mickey Arthur) will come up with a plan and a player to fill Smithy's position.
You've faced Shane Warne recently and now come face-to-face with Muttiah Muralitharan once again. How would you compare them and what are their major differences?
Both are exceptional bowlers. There's no doubting they are two of the greatest bowlers in history and it's no coincidence that they are the top-two wicket-takers at present in Test cricket. Warney is easier to pick as he has a more conventional action. Muralitharan however has a very unorthodox style and one you rarely see outside the sub-continent so you don't get to practice against anything like it too often.
Who is the toughest bowler you've faced to date?
I'd have to once again say Warney and Muralitharan. If I had to pick the toughest fast bowler it would have to be Glenn McGrath.
What is your favourite cricket destination?
Tough one... every country has something special about it but I'll say the West Indies.
Who has been the biggest influence on your career to date?
Growing up my brother was always very supportive and at Eastern Province Eldine Baptiste played a big role in my early years. While at Western Province, Vincent Barnes has been a tremendous help and I've seen my game mature under his guidance.
Tough question. If you could choose, which combination would you select while in Sri Lanka: A poor run of form for you with the bat but a series victory OR an improvement on your current average but a series defeat?
Obviously in an ideal world I'd enjoy a rich run of form and help South Africa to victory, but I have no hesitation in saying the team and country comes first and a series win will ease the pain of a bad run with the bat.
Any plans for your life after cricket?
I can't see myself stepping away from the game once I've called it a day. Cricket has given me far too much to simply walk away. If I can help but one player achieve his dreams, that will be fantastic. I'm sure I will remain involved in a coaching capacity once my services for the team are no longer required. But don't retire me too soon!