Wicket-keeper Prior has been left off the list of contracted players

However, seam bowlers James Anderson and Ryan Sidebottom are included among the 12 contractees.

Dropped from the list are spinner Ashley Giles, who has retired from cricket, opener Marcus Trescothick and seamer Simon Jones.

And young bowling pair Chris Tremlett and Stuart Broad also missed out.

Trescothick recently ruled himself out of England's winter tours while he continues to battle against a stress-related illness, while Jones has missed most of the last two years since the Ashes victory of 2005 with injuries.

It is the second consecutive year that no keeper has been centrally contracted.

Contracts are nice for your security but they are not the be all and end all Paul Collingwood

Prior has been England's preferred keeper since Peter Moores replaced Duncan Fletcher as coach at the start of the summer, but has been inconsistent with bat and gloves.

"Matt started off really well in his Test match career but it's a tough sport and we have also got some outstanding wicket-keepers out there," said chairman of selectors David Graveney.

"I've said to Matt that he should not read too much into it, even though he is desperately disappointed, and we are allowed to offer summer contracts."

Six-month contracts will be available in April for players expected to play a full part during the English summer.

But those not on 12-month deals over the winter will be contracted on a tour-by-tour basis.

One-day captain Paul Collingwood hopes the snub will have a positive effect on Prior.

"He has certainly got the talent but these contracts aren't easy to come by and you have to work very, very hard to get one," said Collingwood.

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"At any time he can be awarded a summer contract as well so I'm sure he has got the character to go out there and prove to everyone he is deserving of a contract.

"We have all got a job to do to keep improving as cricketers and keep improving as a team. Contracts are nice for your security but they are not the be all and end all."

Anderson has regained the contract he lost in 2005, as he and Sidebottom have been chosen ahead of fellow seamers Stuart Broad and Chris Tremlett.

"The awarding of central contracts to James and Ryan is based on the contribution they have made to the team in recent months and their anticipated level of involvement in international cricket during the next year," Graveney explained.

"Jimmy's form in both Test and one-day cricket this summer has been impressive and we are also very pleased with the progress Ryan has made following his return to the international team earlier this season.

"Overall, one less 12-month central contract has been awarded than last year."