While Prince has played no fewer than 52 one-day internationals for his country, he is no longer considered a first-choice pick in the shorter forms of the game.

It is that scenario that has not only made the Port Elizabeth-born player available to sign for Notts as overseas player for the closing weeks of the season, but is also a source of frustration.

With an average of 35.10 in ODIs, Prince clearly feels he should not have been cast aside.

He hopes to show just why during his time at Trent Bridge – starting in the Pro40 match against Durham tonight.

"People look back at my one-day career and say that maybe my scoring rate has not been high enough," said Prince.

"But I have been trying to play the role that has been given to me by the coaching staff – that if we were in trouble to get us out of it. But if we got off to a good start then they used to promote Justin Kemp, Mark Boucher and Shaun Pollock above me to chase quick runs.

"That meant that I often didn't get to bat when the team were going well and it was easier.

"I would like to think that at Notts I can do a more complete job in one-day cricket. I am looking forward to a central role."

Director of cricket at Notts, Mick Newell, also believes Prince can make a significant impact.

He said: "With losing Patel, Voges and Swann we have lost three of our frontline batsmen, so he will add some welcome experience as well as ability."

Newell is confident the new permanent floodlights at Trent Bridge will make for a fairer game than before.

"With the very, very good quality lights we have here, it is not going to be the disadvantage batting second that it used to be," he said.

Notts team: Jefferson, Wood, Wagh, Prince, Shafayat, Read, Ealham, Adams, Ferley, Pattinson, Shreck.