Prince revels in opening role

by S M March 21, 2009

"I'm pretty happy obviously, to be back in the team and to be making a contribution," Centurion Ashwell Prince said.

"I think yesterday at the start of the innings I was a bit like a new opening batsman I think I played a few too many shots when I could have left a few balls last night.

"This morning coming to the crease with 30-odd behind my name, I was a bit more relaxed.

"Obviously last night I was a little nervous with my new role. I wanted to do well and had bit of adrenalin running. But I was in a positive state of mind and that did help me.

"But I'm delighted right now. Like I say always, the thing that gives me the most satisfaction is contributing for the team."

He continued: "Getting a big score last week definitely helped, although I knew that things would be different in the Test match. It was good to come into this game with a score as it gave me confidence.

"This was a different role for me and it did take a different type of preparation. In fact, the whole preparation leading up to the week, even in practice as well was different.

"You are given a role that you are not entirely used to, but I can't really have a choice. I think I've just got to take the chances that I've been given."

"Lots of credit should go to our bowlers, they kept coming hard and to bowl them out for 209 on this wicket is a great thing. Day two and day three are the best to bat on this track.

"I think we're in a good position now with Jacques also going to a hundred and quite a bit of batting still to come."

Australia's coach Tim Nielsen said "To only get 209 was pretty disappointing,"

"That was our first chance to put a stamp on the game. Since then (South Africa) have played really well and we haven't been able to contain them or put any real pressure on them.

"Maybe because the fact we did win the series in Durban they were all feeling quite good about themselves and maybe just took the foot off the pedal a fraction."

"It certainly hasn't taken long to be woken up again and they will understand now that if there is anything to be taken out of this that is there's no such thing as an easy Test match.

"We are really far behind and have now got three really tough days ahead of us if we've got any chance of winning and even to get up for a draw."