Once looking for a fight outside the park, Prior, Siddle are now pals

Hobart (Tasmania, Australia), - England wicketkeeper Matt Prior has revealed how bitter Ashes rival Peter Siddle has become his new mate.

Prior, 28, patched up things with Siddle while playing for Victoria Bushrangers in the Twenty20 Big Bash tournament Down Under.

But Prior’s stay with Victoria ended abruptly this week after two matches and one half-century when he was dramatically recalled to England’s 50-over team.

During the Third Test in Perth last month, England’s only defeat in the Ashes series, Prior reacted furiously when dismissed by Siddle and gestured as though asking him outside for a fight.

But now they are pals.

The Sun quoted Prior as saying: “I sat down and had a couple of beers with Peter. He has ended up being a real good bloke. Going into a different dressing-room is an eye-opener, certainly an Australian one and seeing their attitudes on cricket and different situations.”

Prior’s stint with Victoria proved his determination to recapture his place in England’s one-day team and he has been rewarded following Steve Davies’ shock axe.

He added: “I was surprised to come back but I never gave up. From the minute I was dropped, I went back to Sussex and worked on my one-day game.

“Now I have the opportunity to show I’ve improved.” (ANI)