Lancashire: Ashwell Prince returns after retirement u-turn

Ashwell Prince scored 1,160 runs at an average of 42.96 for Lancashire last season

South African batsman Ashwell Prince will return to Lancashire for the 2015 season after reversing his decision to retire.

The 37-year-old announced in March he was to retire from all forms of the game but in September revealed he was considering a u-turn.

"He's coming back, which is great," cricket director and head coach Ashley Giles told BBC Radio Lancashire.

"His record for Lancashire is superb so we'll have that experience."

The former South Africa left-hander passed 16,000 first-class runs last summer, including a career-best 257 not out against Northants in June.

Prince appeared in 66 Tests, 52 one-dayers and one T20 international for the Proteas.

"Ashwell will give us some quality in the middle order," added Giles. "As we all know, a lot happens in 12 months so it's great he's chosen to come back here."

Ashley Giles moved to Lancashire after being overlooked for the England job

Giles moved to Old Trafford at the start of October following a spell as England limited-overs coach and has begun pre-season training with his new squad as they look for an immediate return after relegation to Division Two.

One of his main tasks will be to appoint a new captain after Glen Chapple, who took control of Lancashire's first team once Peter Moores left to become England head coach last season, gave up the position to assist with coaching.

Asked if he has yet made up his mind on the captaincy, Giles said: "No, is the simple answer.

"It's a chance for me to get to know the guys and look at all the options.

"It's such a big and important decision and, obviously for me as head coach, someone who I need to work closely with and get on with.

"After Christmas time is going to move pretty quickly so it's certainly on the front of my mind."