MANCHESTER (England), Feb 8: South Africa vice-captain Ashwell Prince, the first black player to skipper his country, on Saturday agreed to join Lancashire on a short-term contract for the 2009 county season.

Mike Watkinson, Lancashire’s director of cricket, told the BBC Radio: “He’s a good quality player. Batting is one aspect we’ve targeted to improve and hopefully he’ll help us to get a good start to the year.”

Prince arrives as overseas cover for India’s V.V.S. Laxman.

“Although he’s 31 and has played a lot of cricket, he’s still young and athletic and should bring some good energy to the team,” added Watkinson.—AFP