Ashwell Prince

Ashwell Gavin Prince is a left handed batsman and slow left arm orthodox bowler who plays for South Africa. He has an unusual shirt number that reads '5+0'. This is a mark of respect for the late Hansie Cronje who wore the number 5 shirt when he was playing.

In 2001-02 season Prince scored a gutsy 49 in his debut match against Australia and this was followed by a matchwinning 48 in the third test at Durban. This removed his image as a one-day flasher. However in the 2002-03 season his form disappeared and he was a failure in four consecutive home Tests against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Further at home against the West Indies and England he played some valuable knocks and since then Prince is a more regular member of the South African one-day squad.

In spite of scoring an unbeaten 139 against Zimbabwe at Centurion and 131 against West Indies, Prince could not cement his spot in the Test side. He had a long-term shoulder injury due to which his throwing from the deep got affected though he continues to be a remarkable shot-stopping fielder in the covers.

In early 2006 against Australia at Sydney, he scored 119 in the third Test which was the highlight of his career. In July 2006, Prince became the first black captain of South Africa when he replaced Graeme Smith.

Prince was not included in the South African team for the Champions trophy but played well against India at home. In the three Test competition, Prince was the highest run-scorer on either side which comprised of a third career hundred at Cape Town and a brilliant 97 at Johannesburg.

Further, Pakistan toured South Africa and in the three Test series Prince was the sole centurion. His average for the season's six Tests was 60.67. This consistent performance with the bat earned Ashwell Prince a seat in the World Cup team for West Indies. But again his form dipped and rather it was a disappointing tournament for him as well as the South African team. The tour to Ireland did not find Prince in the team as players in form were picked up in his position. when Bangladesh toured South Africa he played a blistering knock of 162 not out and was involved in a record partnership of 271 runs with Mark Boucher.

Ashwell Prince has an uncharacteristic batting technique where he shuffles a lot around the crease. The drives through the covers are one of the highlights of Prince. His temperament on the wicket is quite impressive as he always looks to play huge innings. He has played for various teams like South Africa, African XI, Lancashire, Eastern Province, Warriors, Western Province, Western Province boland, Nottinghamshire and also lately by Mumbai Indians which is an IPL team in India.

=== Career Highlights ===

Prince was the Man of the Match in two one day internationals at Queen's Park and Supersport Park and in one Test at Capetown.