Matt Prior staked his claim for an England recall as New Zealand struggled against the Lions in their tour match at the Rose Bowl on Saturday.

Prior was dropped by England following their pre-Christmas tour to Sri Lanka and the Sussex wicketkeeper faces a tough battle to regain his place following the success of Tim Ambrose in New Zealand.

But he continued his impressive form this season by hitting 47 to help England's Lions claim a 282-run lead by reaching 275 for five at the close of the third day.

Prior hit six boundaries in his 79-ball innings before falling to off-spinner Jeetan Patel, trapped lbw attempting a slog sweep, but must have caught the attention of watching selector James Whitaker.

He will find out on Sunday if that is enough to return to the England fold as the squad is named for next week's first Test at Lord's.

AFP

Back to Home

Print