Prince SA's new captain speaks...

[Wanderer]

These are some of the questions that were posed to him late yesterday on News24. I hope it's okay to post them here, so people can get a look at SA's first "coloured" cricket captain...

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.

Okay, it's big news in SA...

[Vrock]

Being the stand-in skipper won't allow Prince to fully warm to the job in the short time he is likely to have it.

I think, for Political sakes, this is a major step in choosing a 'coloured' cricketer to lead the side.

Prince offers the kind of qualities that South Africa will need on Sri Lankan pitches, he's a fighter and always puts a price on his wicket rather than sell it for something short, the selectors will be hoping this mentality can rub off on the rest of the players and that the sides performances will heighten. Giving them a chance to match Sri Lanka on their home turf.

[Wanderer]

I think SA are under no illusions for this series. They know it's going to be tough, considering they were completely white-washed by the Sri Lankans 2 years ago.

Prince will need the help and advise of the senior players. And according to Haroon Lorgat, people like Dippenaar and Rudolph should consider themselves also "senior".

Of course Ntini, Polly (second test) Gibbs and Boucher will have to give their support to Prince, seeing as no vice-captain was chosen.

[Vrock]

Originally Posted by Wanderer

Prince will need the help and advise of the senior players. And according to Haroon Lorgat, people like Dippenaar and Rudolph should consider themselves also "senior".

In terms of tests played, yes, Dippennar and Rudolph have played 37 and 33 tests respectively. They both have good experience in domestic cricket to fall back on also. However, neither has managed to really secure a solid place in the batting line up, momentary glimpses of excellence have been followed by a string of low scores.

I think to call them senior players is a difficult call, in terms of experience in tests they know do what the game is all about but, it's difficult to call upon someone to your aid if they're not with you the next series.

I hope they prove me and step up in helping Prince with tactical decisions and making lots of runs.

[Wanderer]

Latest news....

As Ashwell Prince was only selected for the tests, a new captain will have to be picked for the triangular ODI series. (that's if Smith is not fit in time for the ODI's)

Coach Mickey Arthur would not speculate about the possibility, but it would make sense to appoint one of the more experienced players, such as Shaun Pollock or Mark Boucher, to stand in for Smith in the one-day matches.

Loots Bosman may get a chance to make his ODI debut should Smith not be available. Bosman played the 20/20 international earlier this year vs Australia.

[harsha]

now it's difficult for the SA to win the test series was they down ............ 0-1

[Wanderer]

True..only Sri Lanka can win the series. But SA can avoid another white-wash by at least squaring things in the second test.

SA will have Polly back at least, probably replacing Hall. And that I think is the only change the selectors'll make. But once again, Murali will be their greatest threat. As he always is, no matter whom he plays where...

[harsha]

R u there? ..wanderer

[harsha]

what is ur opinion on prince,,, new cap'n of SA?

[Wanderer]

Yes...I dissapear every so often...have a very demanding boss!!

Prince, well...He's only been selected for this test series..and not for the ODI's. He's not a regular in the ODI set-up.