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Lancashire's Prince admits Test career is over

Ashwell Price is back in Lancashire colours and looking to finish his career on a high © PA Photos

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Ashwell Prince has accepted that his Test career has "well and truly passed" as he focuses on a satisfying finale to his first-class career with Lancashire.

Price believes he remains "good enough to play Test cricket" but has not played a Test since South Africa lost to Sri Lanka in Durban in December 2011, their last defeat before they embarked upon a 15-match unbeaten run which took them to No. 1 in the world.

Lancashire signed him as a Kolpak player in March after Cricket South Africa decided against renewing his contract, seemingly bringing to an end a Test career which consisted of 66 Tests and 3,665 runs at 41.64.

"It's not really me who has made that decision to retire from international cricket," Prince said. "It's been almost 18 months since I last played a Test match and I think, if I'm being realistic, those days have well and truly passed.

"I don't have anything to prove to anyone back home. I still think I'm good enough to play Test cricket. My record is there and if people don't have the belief in me anymore then there's nothing more I can do. I'm here and I'm committed to playing for Lancashire."

Prince previously represented Lancashire as an overseas player in 2009, 2010 and last season, and so far scored over 2,000 first-class runs for them at an average of 46. He began the new season with 95 against Worcestershire.

"Having played here as a youngster in the leagues and being used to the surroundings I have a good relationship with the squad and outside of cricket," he said. "I think it's important to be in an environment that you feel comfortable in and that's how I feel when I'm here.

"At the time in my career when people started doubting my abilities, Lancashire were there to give me an opportunity. I just feel I had to pay them back with some loyalty. I've got two years to run on my contract and I'm not getting any younger. I'll be 36 next month so I'll be 37 at the end of the contract. We'll see how the body is after that."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.