Matt Prior by CricketArchive Staff Reporter

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Player:

MJ Prior

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DateLine: 3rd May 2009

 

The 27-year-old wicketkeeper moved to England from South Africa and has represented England across all age groups including the U-19. Prior is an aggressive batsman and looks to score runs no matter what the situation at hand is. His wicketkeeping though is a bit shaky but he has been improving on that front at a brisk pace. He was selected to tour Zimbabwe as part of England's one-day squad in November 2004 and played in just one match, striking 35. After this, he rejoined the A team for their series against United Arab Emirates and, after the first match where he scored a duck he went on to hit 84, 56 and 122 not out. Prior began his Test career in a rollicking style, becoming the first English wicketkeeper to score a century on debut with an unbeaten 126 at Lord's against West Indies, followed by 75 at Headingley. England hoped that post the Alec Stewart era, they have found a new wicketkeeper who could do the job both, in front and behind the wickets. However, a poor subsequent series against India and a disappointing tour to Sri Lanka exposed flaws with his keeping.