By Sam Lyon

A lot of the work I have done [during his enforced injury absence] has been on the mental side of things Matt Prior

England wicket-keeper Matt Prior has vowed to prove his doubters wrong and play his part in what would be a massive series victory in Sri Lanka.

Prior, who leaves with the squad on Thursday, hit a century on Test debut but then struggled against India.

He told BBC Sport: "This summer was both fantastic and severely testing.

"I took a pounding from some quarters but I've never been one to lay down and die. I'm a fighter and am ready to kick on and prove myself all over again."

In-depth interview: Matt Prior

Prior is fully fit again after a broken thumb suffered while on World Twenty20 duty ruled him out of the recent one-day series win in Sri Lanka.

And while admitting his frustration at having to miss that historic victory, the Sussex gloveman has revealed he used his time away from the game to "step back and reflect on everything to ensure that if and when I did come back I was better than ever".

"I was ordered not to do a thing on the thumb for the full six weeks so a lot of the work I have done has been on the mental side of things," he said.

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"While it was an absolute dream - and beyond - to win my England caps and play my part in series wins over West Indies and India, there was a lot of other stuff to deal with.

"When you're in the bubble of the England set-up, it is easy to get consumed by it all and things can get clouded, especially when people are questioning not just you as a player but you as a person.

"But, upon reflection, I am really happy with the way I handled it all and, in a sick kind of way, maybe it was good in a way that I had to dig deep and tough it out.

"To have come through that period with a certain toughness has helped me appreciate even more the joy and pride I feel in pulling on the England shirt."

That could spell danger for Sri Lanka, with Prior desperate to get back to the top of his game.

I believe I have an excellent base now from which to go forward at international level Matt Prior

England coach Peter Moores has already confirmed he will start the series as the number one gloveman ahead of Phil Mustard.

And Prior believes he is in a great position to help the team target only a second ever Test series win in Sri Lanka.

"International cricket is a massive step up in so many ways, that's what it's all about," he said. "I asked myself a lot of questions this summer but, when it comes down to it, I've kept fighting and I've kept my chin up.

"Now I believe I have an excellent base from which to go forward at international level and I'm coming back fresher than ever."

Sussex manager Mark Robinson has backed Prior to rise to the challenge in Sri Lanka.

"I'm hoping his injury was a blessing in disguise. It will hopefully have given him space to take stock and come back mentally stronger," Robinson said.