Prince expects a "tough" Lanka tour

SA's stand-in captain believes resurgent Sri Lanka will be a hard to beat after it blanked England 5-0.

South Africa's stand-in cricket captain Ashwell Prince believes the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka will be a "tough one" as the home team has shown signs of resurgence.

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"The Sri Lankan team has just returned home after squaring the test series against England also winning the one-day series 5-0", said the 28-year-old Prince hours before the team set off for Sri Lanka where they will play two Tests and a tri-series involving India as third team.

"We have a young side and we have to be prepared for a tough tour. It's not going to be easy. We all have to go the extra mile," Prince, the first person of colour to skipper the national cricket team.

Prince was appointed captain after Graeme Smith suffered an ankle injury and vice-captain Jacques Kallis was already out with an injury.

The South Africans will also be without Shaun Pollock, who withdrew from the first Test to be with his wife who is expecting their second baby.

Coach Micky Arthur said he was aware of the challenges that his team would face but they were ready for it.

"All our players know what is expected of them and all of them will be fighting to keep their places as their other players waiting in the wings," said Arthur.