Prince

Three days gone in Centurion and South Africa hold a narrow advantage over Pakistan. I've hardly seen any of the game but Ashwell Prince - one of the most improved batsmen in the world these past twelve months - has again been in the runs.

While snatching a glimpse of one of his fine knocks against India over Christmas my brother remarked that Prince reminded him of Graham Thorpe.

I agree. Left-handed, gritty, mentally tough and with a good range of strokes, he currently provides vital stability in the South African middle-order.

I wonder if he'll be around as long as Thorpe?