Notts move for Prince

Nottinghamshire have moved to bolster their squad ahead of the end-of-season run-in with the signing of South Africa batsman Ashwell Prince.

The left-hander, who hit centuries in the opening two npower Tests against England, will play no part in the one-day leg of the tour after being left out of the limited-overs squad.

Prince, 31, becomes Notts’ third overseas signing of the summer. He takes the place of Adam Voges, himself a replacement for fellow Australian David Hussey.

Prince is set to make his Notts debut in the NatWest Pro40 floodlit encounter against Durham at Trent Bridge on Tuesday August 19.

South Africa's Ashwell Prince becomes Nottinghamshire's third overseas player in 2008

Notts director of cricket Mick Newell said: “Ashwell has shown in this series that he’s a match-winner and the fact that he’s already in England with his family added to the attraction of signing him.

“He’s in form and it’s always good to sign a player who is playing with confidence. He’ll join us at a vital stage of the season and add quality to our middle order.

“He’s an excellent fielder and he isn’t involved in South Africa’s one-day dixtures so he fits the bill for perfectly.”

Prince, who boasts a batting average of 43 over 44 Tests, he is keen to contribute to Notts’ bid to win the LV County Championship and Pro40 First Division.

“Notts are in contention for silverware and I’m confident that I can add some experience to the team at an important stage of the season,” said Prince.

“I know that I am joining a competitive team and I have kept my eye on the results ever since the interest was expressed.

“I spoke to Stuart Broad at Headingley long before the deal was concluded and he told me that the set-up was good and that Trent Bridge is a great place to play cricket.

“I’m not in the South Africa one-day squad which frees up my time and hopefully there will be an opportunity for me to play more county cricket in the future.

“A lot of quality overseas players have gone before me at Notts and I want to score runs for the team.”