Ashwell Prince prioritising top order in Zimbabwe warm-up match

Prince says they have to take into consideration the limited playing time due to bad weather in the UK, and that some of the other players will have to use the indoor training facilities to get into peak condition. 

With the first day rained out at the Arundel Castle Cricket Ground, South Africa posted 313 batting first on day two.

"When it comes down to the match, everyone's contribution in the matchday eleven is very important, especially the contributions at the top of the order. Unfortunately, due to the weather, members of the lower order will be forced to conduct their preparations in the nets. The priority for now is the top order," explained the former Proteas opener. 

READ: Proteas coach unfazed by damp conditions in England

Three of the Proteas players notched up half centuries in the match, and Prince says they showed no signs of rust. 

Captain Temba Bavuma, Ryan Rickleton, and Tristan Stubbs all scored 50s, and he says there’s still more time in the match for the others to find their rhythm and fluency.

"I think most of the guys enjoyed a good stint out in the middle, some looked more fluent than others, but we do have some days for the other guys to establish a rhythm," explained Prince. 

The match does not carry first-class status, and the Proteas had a gentlemen’s agreement with their Zimbabwean counterparts to try and have as many batters as possible out there.

All three half-centurions, as well as Tony de Zorzi and David Bedingham, retired out in order to share the crease as much as possible.

The former top-order batter also says they had to make use of the indoor facilities earlier this week when play was cancelled.

He did, however, admit that it’s much better for the players to go out on the actual pitch.