He is a big fan of Tristan Stubbs' mentality and will be a big player for South Africa: Ashwell Prince

Since Hashim Amla South Africa dropped out of Test cricket in 2019 and tried seven batters at number three in Test cricket, but none of them failed to impress. The list includes Zubayr Hamza, Aiden Markram, Keegan Petersen, Rassie van der Dussen, Theunis de Bruyn, Heinrich Klaasen, Tony de Zorzi and Raynard van Tonder, and after all these cricketers flopped in one fell swoop, head coach Shukri Conrad decided to include it Tristan Stubbs to try for the same number in the series against West Indies.

The youngster looked impressive, scoring a half-century in the first Test, but he has a huge shoes to fill. The upcoming away series against Bangladesh will test his skills and character and if he performs well, Stubbs can consolidate its place in third place.

Hitting coach Ashwell Prince believes the 24-year-old has huge potential to succeed and praises his ability to counter when the team is under pressure. He added that Conrad likes a player of his ability at number three and believes Stubbs has what it takes to become a great player for South Africa.

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“His selection in this position is a positive decision by Shukri as he loves playing cricket. “Stubbs is someone who can change the game, he can counter when the team is under pressure and someone with good enough technique to handle the new ball,” Prince told IOL Sport.

“He is the type of player Shuks likes in this position. Someone who can absorb pressure but can also switch gears and take the game to the opposition's bowling attack. I am a big fan of his mentality and that is why I think he will be a great player for South Africa,” he added.

Test cricket has evolved, people come in and impose themselves on the game: Prince

Test cricket has changed significantly in recent years as teams have started playing more aggressively. Prince believes Stubbs can fit well into this system as he understands that red-ball cricket no longer needs players who can wear down the bowlers by staying at the crease for long periods, but prefer to play aggressively.

“Yes, it is Test cricket but most countries are approaching it more positively now, like Stubbs for example. They come to play. It used to be about occupying the crease for as long as possible to wear down the bowlers. But the game continued. People come and impose themselves on the game and Stubbs is a player who can do that,” Prince said.

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