Skip to main contentAccess keys helpA-Z index

[an error occurred while processing this directive]
watch listenBBC SportBBC Sport
Low graphics|Help
---------------
CHOOSE A SPORT
RELATED BBC SITES
Last Updated: Sunday, 13 May 2007, 16:58 GMT 17:58 UK
Prior ready to make 'dream' debut
Matt Prior
I will have to raise my game, I know that, but it's a fantastic opportunity

Matt Prior
Matt Prior says it will be a "dream come true" when he makes his Test debut on Thursday against West Indies.

The 25-year-old Sussex wicket-keeper will face the West Indies at Lord's after being named in new coach Peter Moores' first England squad.

Prior told the Evening Argus: "It is the best feeling in the world.

"It's the perfect scenario. I will be playing at Lord's, the home of cricket, and Mooresy is going to be in the dressing-room with me."

Johannesburg-born Prior headed off competition from Paul Nixon, 36, who produced some fine performances with bat and ball at the World Cup.

Prior has struggled in his 12 one-day internationals, all played under previous coach Duncan Fletcher.

But he hopes that playing under former Sussex coach Moores, who he first worked with at the age of 12, will give him extra motivation.

He said: "When I was told I was in the squad I thought about the first time I met Pete when I did my first wicket-keeping session in the old Gilligan Stand at Hove.

"I will definitely want to perform for him. One of his strengths as a coach is that he pushes you to your limit. He will do that for everyone in the squad."

TEST MATCH SPECIAL BLOG
Jonathan Agnew

Prior said he had struggled to sleep in the run-up to Sunday's squad announcement.

He said: "I knew I was quite close but it has been hard not to think about it for the last few days.

"It's a dream come true. I know everyone says that but this has been a dream of mine since I was very young.

Prior had a good tour of Bangladesh with England A earlier this year when he was leading run-scorer.

And although he has struggled for form so far this season, his career first-class batting average of 38 is still better than all of his rivals.

His main task might be to show his glovework is up to the standards expected of a Test wicket-keeper.

He said: "I will have to raise my game, I know that, but it's a fantastic opportunity. I worked really hard in the winter and feel I have improved as a cricketer.

"Test cricket is the pinnacle of the game."


England squad: Andrew Strauss (captain), Alastair Cook, Ian Bell, Kevin Pietersen, Paul Collingwood, Andrew Flintoff, Matt Prior, Liam Plunkett, Steve Harmison, Matthew Hoggard, Monty Panesar, Owais Shah.

SEE ALSO
Jonathan Agnew column
13 May 07 |  UKFS Homepage
Shah 'in good state' for call-up
11 May 07 |  England
West Indies in England 2007
08 Jan 07 |  Cricket


RELATED BBC LINKS:

RELATED INTERNET LINKS:
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites


BBC PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
Daily and weekly e-mails | Mobiles | Desktop Tools | News Feeds | Interactive Television | Downloads
Sport Homepage | Football | Cricket | Rugby Union | Rugby League | Tennis | Golf | Motorsport | Boxing | Athletics | Snooker | Horse Racing | Cycling | Disability sport | Olympics 2012 | Sport Relief | Other sport...

Help | Privacy & Cookies Policy | News sources | About the BBC | Contact us