Ashwell Gavin Prince is a former South African cricketer and captain who represented his country across all formats. In 2006, at the age of 29, he made history as the first non-white player to captain the South African national cricket team when he stood in for the injured Graeme Smith during two Test matches. As of recent years, he has been serving as a batting consultant for the Bangladesh national cricket team.
Ashwell Prince was born on May 28, 1977, in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. He began his professional cricket career during the 1995/96 season, playing for Eastern Province. Over the course of his domestic career in South Africa, he represented several teams, including Western Province, Boland, Cape Cobras, and the Warriors. His consistent domestic performances laid the foundation for national selection.
Prince also had a significant presence in English county cricket, playing for Nottinghamshire and later establishing himself at Lancashire. His experiences in both South African and English domestic circuits helped shape his adaptable and resilient playing style.
Prince made his international debut for South Africa in 2002 in both Test and One Day International (ODI) formats. As a left-handed middle-order batsman, he was known for his solid technique, composed temperament, and effectiveness through the offside. In Tests, he accumulated 3,665 runs at an average of 41.64, including 11 centuries, showcasing his ability to perform at the highest level. He played 66 Tests and 52 ODIs for South Africa.
His most notable career moment came in July 2006, when he was appointed captain for two Tests against Sri Lanka in place of Graeme Smith, making Prince the first non-white player to lead the South African national team. This appointment was a significant milestone in South African cricket history and in the broader context of transformation in the sport.
Prince joined Lancashire in 2009 and became a key figure at the club. By 2012, he was an integral part of their batting lineup. That year, he scored 1,008 runs in 15 first-class matches at an average of 43.82, including two centuries. Despite his efforts, Lancashire was relegated to the second division of the County Championship, though Prince finished as the team's top run-scorer.
Although his central contract from Cricket South Africa was not renewed in 2013, Prince remained with Lancashire as a Kolpak player. That season, he again led the county’s run-scoring charts, making 1,169 runs and helping Lancashire secure promotion to the top division. His contributions cemented his place as one of the club's most reliable performers.
| Birth Date: | 28 May, 1977 |
| Age: | 42 yrs |
| Occupations: | Cricketer |
| Citizenship: | South Africa |
| Birth Place: | Port Elizabeth |
| Gender: | Male |
| Description: | South African cricketer |
| Net Worth 2021: | 6 million |
