LANCASHIRE’S players have already commenced their bid to convince Ashwell Prince to bat on again next season.

Before the start of last summer, the former South Africa batsman announced that 2014 would be his last as a professional.

But the left-hander starred with more than 1,000 LV= County Championship runs, including a career best 257 not out, going a long way to convincing him to reverse his decision.

He also felt partly responsible for the Red Rose’s relegation, and he wanted to right that wrong.

And he is certainly doing that, having scored 21, 97, 106 and 153 in his first four innings of the campaign.

Not only is he currently the leading run-scorer in Division Two, but Lancashire are top of the tree with two wins from three matches.

Prince is not expected to confirm any decision on next year until later this summer at the earliest.

But, ahead of tomorrow’s clash with Gloucestershire at Emirates Old Trafford, stand-in captain Steven Croft said: “We’ve told him he can go on for years. He’s still fit and is a great player.

“It’s great to see him back this season, and it will be tough to see him go when he finally does decide to.

“We’ve had a laugh and a joke about it in the dressing room, but it’s his decision. He’s got a family with two boys, and it’s down to him.

“We’d love him around. He’s been a brilliant player for us. The ball’s in his court.”

Croft will continue to captain Lancashire in the absence of Tom Smith, who is suffering from two bulging discs in his back and has missed the last two matches against Kent and Northamptonshire.

“First and foremost, Tom was our best player last year. He’s now our captain, so it’s a big blow losing him. Hopefully he makes a speedy recovery,” said Croft, who is relishing the captaincy challenge nonetheless.

“I’m taking it game by game at the minute, but it is something I enjoy. The more you do it, the more it becomes clearer.

“I’m keeping in contact with Tom, and we’re having some conversations with Ashley Giles as well.

“We’ve got some great experience around in Alviro Petersen and Ashwell and obviously on the sidelines as well with Glen Chapple and Gilo.

“Most of my captaincy experience has been in the limited overs stuff, but it’s not something I’m nervous about. I feel in a good place.”