The Proteas are on a high after their Test series victory in Australia, and now they welcome Ricky Ponting’s men to South Africa for a quick reverse fixture.
The first two Tests take place in Johannesburg and Durban, and a squad of 12 has been selected for those two games which is without the vice-captain.
Prince injured his thumb and missed the Test series in Australia, and such was the form shown by replacement JP Duminy that he has retained his place at Prince’s expense.
“We are in the fortunate position of having seven world-class batsmen competing for six positions. It is a very healthy position for South African cricket,” said convener of selectors Mike Procter.
“Ashwell is understandably bitterly disappointed but he appreciates that he has not had the opportunity to play much cricket since his injury.
“There’s been a lot of speculation about the whole JP/Ashwell situation, so we decided to name the squad early to maintain the stability of the team and give confidence to the players, who’ve done so well for us.
“Ashwell is seriously unlucky, he scored over 160 in his last test when we were in trouble and he also did fantastic work in England.”
Prince seemed in no danger of being dropped after averaging 75 on last year’s tour of England was looked to be a certainty to return to the side after his injury, but selectors have opted instead for current form.
Duminy made a brilliant 166 to help South Africa win the second Test in Melbourne, although Prince will point out he made 162 the last time he padded up for a Test innings.
Opener Neil McKenzie’s place was thought to be in danger after averaging just over 24 in Australia, but South Africa did not want to unsettled the batting line-up.
“We know Neil did not have a good tour of Australia, but he himself was thrown into the deep end last year to open the batting and he was one of the batsmen to score over a thousand runs in 2008,” Procter added.
The selectors have decided to keep left-armer Lonwabe Tsotsobe in the squad, with Monde Zondeki and Robin Peterson both missing out.
“Tsotsobe performed very impressively from limited opportunities in Australia and he gives us extra bowling variety and depth,” Procter said.
Wicketkeeper Mark Boucher is the main injury concern, after he broke a toe in Australia, but he is expected to be fit for the start of the series.
“We are monitoring Mark Boucher’s recovery from injury and we are confident that he will be fit to play by the time the series starts,” added Procter.
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