Prior targets England opening slot for one-day series by AFP

---

Ground:	Bagh-e-Jinnah, Lahore
Scorecard:	Pakistan A v England XI
Player:	MJ Prior
Event:	England in Pakistan 2005/06

---

DateLine: 8th December 2005

 

England wicket-keeper batsman Matthew Prior Thursday said he would love to open for his country in the five-match one-day series against Pakistan.

 

"I will be happy playing in any position for England, but if I was opening the batting I would absolutely love it," Prior told reporters ahead of Saturday's opening match.

 

Prior, 23, staked his claim with a brilliant 84-ball 72 in a warm-up game against Pakistan A, which his side lost by a single wicket at Lahore's Bagh-e-Jinnah stadium on Wednesday.

 

First choice Geraint Jones keeps wickets for England but Prior might get a place purely as a batsman after captain Michael Vaughan was ruled out with a knee injury.

 

Prior, who moved to England from his native South Africa before representing England at Under-19 level, said he enjoyed playing one-day cricket.

 

"It is as an opener where I enjoy playing the most, especially in one-day cricket. I have done it for Sussex for the last two seasons and I feel I play my most natural game there," said Prior.

 

The tourists have also kept batsman Ian Bell as a possible Vaughan replacement.

 

"I dont know where or how I will be involved. Some people say as a super sub, others the top of the order. I dont really know, it's out of my hands and when I get the opportunity all I can do is take advantage of it," Prior said.

 

Prior was tipped to be the first-ever super sub when the new rule was implemented in the tri-nation series in May in England. But instead Vikram Solanki was preferred.

 

"There was a lot of media speculation last summer about me being the first super sub but it never materialized. Solanki was used and he did really well so theres not much you can do about that," said Prior.

(Article: Copyright © 2005 AFP)