Matt will go as favourite to keep his place... he is in possession of the shirt Moores on Prior

Critics have accused the Sussex player of struggling with the gloves and of being too vocal behind the stumps.

But Moores said: "A lot's been said about Matt but you can't get away from the fact he averages just under 40.

"Keeping-wise he went through a journey but he ended the series in India well and is in possession of the shirt."

Prior returns to the international scene after being forced to sit out the recent one-day series in Sri Lanka with a broken thumb.

The 25-year-old is fit again and in line to start the first Test in Kandy on 1 December ahead of reserve gloveman Phil Mustard.

"Matt will go as favourite to keep his place," said Moores. "We think for Phil it is a great opportunity for us to have a look at him and see where he can get to."

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And Moores has also thrown his backing behind spinner Monty Panesar, who has been warned by former coach Duncan Fletcher that "his honeymoon period is over".

The Northamptonshire left-arm spinner failed to impress in Sri Lanka, but Moores said: "I expect Monty to carry on with what he's been doing in Tests.

"He bowled very well against the West Indies and India - and at the moment he is taking his Test wickets at an average of 30, which is very good for a finger spinner.

"I expect him to enjoy bowling in Sri Lanka and he'll be looking forward to the tour."