Ashwell Prince averages 56.20 in one-day internationals

A fortnight later and Graeme Smith's men have climbed two places on the International Cricket Council ODI rankings after a 4-1 demolition of the English.

One player to emerge from this series with his reputation enhanced was middle-order batsman Ashwell Prince. Cricket365 reporter Zaahier Adams caught up with the stylish left-hander...

Q. South African coach coach Ray Jennings has identified you as the new Jonty Rhodes within the team - energetic fielder, who contributes a run-a-ball innings in the middle order. What do you think of this?

A. Firstly, I would like to say Jonty Rhodes is Jonty Rhodes and I am Ashwell Prince. I would like to believe that I can fill this role within the team but I also like to stress that I am not the new Jonty Rhodes.

Q. How important was the innings of 62 not out to win the final ODI of the series in Centurion to Ashwell Prince's international career?

A. It was nice to contribute when the team needed me. I felt good throughout the series, but could not really follow through so it was a good feeling to fulfil my responsibility within the team, which was to bat through until the end.

Q. What happened in the final over in Bloemfontein when you where run out first ball during that dramatic tied ODI?

A. Shaun Pollock and I decided before I faced a ball that we would run immediately if I got bat to ball. Therefore, when I struck it, he ran instantaneously, but I as the striker hesitated when I saw the fielder with the ball in his hand. Maybe I should have tried to hit the ball out of the ground! (laughs)

Q. The transformation process in South African cricket has been blamed for the demise of the national team by various former players. As a Colured player who has begun to establish himself in the national set-up, do you regard yourself as a role model for young players of colour coming through the ranks?

A. I just try and go out there and do the best for my country, so if I am considered to be a role model, that's great. Ideally , I would like to be seen as a role model for all young cricketers - regardless of race - to aspire to.

Q. The South African Test side has failed to find a consistent middle-order batsman. Do you believe you have a realistic chance of adding to your seven Test caps during the upcoming series against Zimbabwe?

A. It has always been a goal of mine to play Test cricket for my country. At this stage I am just taking it one step at a time, but hopefully should I get the opportunity, I can grab the chance with both hands as I have not done this previously.

Q. New England star Kevin Pietersen has had phenomenal success since turning his back on his country of birth and choosing to play for his adopted country. Do you think there will be more young South Africans who might choose this path?

A. I can't speak for anybody else as that decision is up to each and every individual. All I can say is that everytime I represent South Africa, it is a great honour for me.

Q. You captain the Western Province Boland franchise - the same provincial outfit that national skipper Graeme Smith represents. Has he ever asked you for advice in an international?

A. Graeme is a good, strong leader who is not afraid to seek advice. He has come across on one or two occasions. He's young and definitely not a 'I now it all type of captain'.