Since succumbing to just 51 in the second innings at the beginning of the year against the West Indies at Kingston, England have gone from strength to strength.
They failed to win the series in the Caribbean but claimed victory in the return two-Test series at home, before famously claiming the Ashes for the second time in three attempts.
Continuing on, the first two Tests against second in the world South Africa have seen Andrew Strauss’ men take a lead and set themselves up fantastically with one-and-a-half games remaining.
Much of the media attention has been focussed on Andrew Flintoff, Stuart Broad, Jonathan Trott, Graeme Swann and the captain Strauss – while Matt Prior has been largely overlooked.
The wicketkeeper position since the retirement of Alec Stewart in 2003 was a huge problem for England. Chris Read and Geraint Jones swapped gloves, with neither cementing their place nor performing with much certainty.
Prior got his chance in 2007 before Tim Ambrose took the hot seat for most of 2008 – however the Sussex man regained his spot during the winter and hasn’t looked back.
He averages just over 42 in his 25 Tests and after initial question marks over his glove-work, he has improved significantly to be a reliable figure behind England’s stumps.
His batting for the calendar year 2009 was at an average of 43.52, which included one century and six half-centuries at the bottom of the England order.
Helped with the likes of Broad and Swann who can hold a bat, England’s tail which traditionally never wagged has been as lively as a hamster on speed.
The situation tomorrow (Jan 5) in Cape Town sees Prior needing to lead the England batting as they trail South Africa by 50 runs with three wickets remaining.
The improved ability and reliability at the bottom of the England order has been crucial in their success – notably hanging on the draw at Cardiff against the Australians.
A lot of off-spinner Swann’s success can in some part be put down to Prior’s improved form as a wicketkeeper. The Nottinghamshire player has gone from near-international obscurity at the beginning of 2009 to be the tormentor of Australia and having success currently in South Africa.
Prior has been performing quietly and confidently, and as England strive to get to the top of the Test hierarchy their wicketkeeper will surely be key to their success.
No comments:
Post a Comment