Prince named South African vice-captain

Ashwell Prince, South Africa's middle-order batsman, has been named vice-captain of the side following Jacques Kallis's departure home due to a shoulder injury.

Prince, 28, has been a regular member of the South African one-day side for over a year now, contributing key knocks apart from being a superb asset in the field. He has played 15 Tests and 33 one-day internationals, and included in his resume is the fact that he captained South Africa A and the former Western-Boland franchise on the South African domestic circuit.

Haroon Lorgat, the convenor of South Africa's selection panel, said today that these two factors were an important factor in Prince getting the nod. "Ashwell is now well established and respected as a senior member in the Proteas' squad. He will provide excellent support to Graeme Smith in the absence of Jacques Kallis," Lorgat said. "He has also played representative cricket at all levels from Under-13 to the national team, and so is fully conversant with the ethos of South African cricket."

Kallis, the third South African to return home during the tour to Australia, flew back in order to ensure his full fitness for the return series against Australia, which starts at the end of February.