Big fan of Tristan Stubbs’ mentality, he is going to be a big player for South Africa: Ashwell Prince

Since Hashim Amla retired from Test cricket in 2019, South Africa tried seven batters at number three in Test cricket but none of them could 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 at one drop, head coach Shukri Conrad decided to try Tristan Stubbs at 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 massive shoe to fill. The upcoming away series against Bangladesh will test his skill and character and if he does well, Stubbs can cement his spot at number three.

Batting coach Ashwell Prince believes that the 24-year-old has tremendous potential to succeed and lauded his ability to counter-attack when the team is under any form of pressure. He added that Conrad likes a player of his ability at number three and believes that Stubbs has what it takes to be a big player for South Africa.

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“His selection in that position is a positive one from Shukri, it’s the way he loves to play his cricket. Stubbs is somebody who can transform the game, he can counter-attack when the team is under pressure and someone with a good enough technique to handle the new ball,” Prince told IOL Sport.

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

Test cricket has moved on, people are coming in and imposing themselves on the game: Prince

Test cricket has changed significantly in the last few years when teams started playing more aggressively. Prince believes that Stubbs can fit in well in that system as he understands that red-ball cricket no longer needs players who can wear the bowlers down by sticking to the crease for longer times but rather play aggressively.

“Yes, it’s Test cricket, but most countries now approach it in a more positive way, such as a Stubbs. They come to play. Back in the day, it was occupying the crease for as long as possible, wear the bowlers down. But the game has moved on. People are coming in and imposing themselves on the game, and Stubbs is a player that can do that,” Prince said.