“Under scrutiny” Prior confident of continuing with his “good job”

CHITTAGONG - England wicketkeeper Matt Prior insists he is unfazed by reports that national selectors might be tempted to hand over the gloves to reserve wicketkeeper Craig Kieswetter for Saturday’s final ODI against Bangladesh in Chittagong.

Prior is currently England coach Andy Flower’s first-choice wicketkeeper in all three formats of the game, but there is always the option with two keeper-batsman in reserves.

“To play in an England team is an honour and if they want me to play just as a batter I will and I am confident I will do a good job,” The Telegraph quoted Prior, as saying.

“But I’ve worked hard at my keeping and I am keeping well, so I’d like a reason if the gloves are taken off me. If a batsman is scoring runs or a bowler is taking wickets, they wouldn’t expect to be dropped. A keeper is no different,” he added.

Prior’s keeping has improved, but his batting, particularly his ability to see England home is under scrutiny.

However, he is happy to welcome Kieswetter aboard, and said: “I think with England you are always looking over your shoulder to some extent. I’ve said on a number of occasions that if it’s not Craig then it would be someone else and someone like Tim Ambrose could be here.”

“There are a number of fantastic players in England who want that keeping role. But the way Craig has played recently has been absolutely fantastic with the bat. I’ve always wanted to be part of a winning England team and if the addition of Craig helps us become that then absolutely fantastic,” he added.

England has already won the series as Tuesday’s two-wicket win in Mirpur handed them an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-game ODI series. (ANI)