Prince heading to Old Trafford

Lancashire have signed South Africa batsman and vice-captain Ashwell Prince as cover for overseas player VVS Laxman at the start of the coming season.

The 31-year-old, who missed his country's recent series win in Australia with a thumb injury, will play for the Red Rose county until Laxman arrives after the conclusion of the Indian Premier League in May.

Prince, who had a spell with Nottinghamshire last season, said: "I'm really pleased to be coming on board with Lancashire. My initial conversations with (director of cricket) Mike Watkinson have been very positive and I see myself playing an important role for them in the middle order."

He added: "I enjoyed my stint in the UK last year and am excited to be joining such a proud and successful club."

Prince, who has a Test average of 45.68, is expected to feature for South Africa in their upcoming home series with Australia and will head to Lancashire in April.

Watkinson said: "As we experienced last season, the first two months is non-stop cricket with plenty of Championship and one-day fixtures in a short space of time.

"It's important we get the best possible start, and to have the services of a world-class batsman like Ashwell over this period will help us set the foundation to what we hope will be a highly successful season."