Matt Prior: England wicketkeeper retires from cricket

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Matt Prior (right) with Alastair CookImage source, Getty Images
Image caption,

In 2013, England sealed a third successive Ashes win for the first time since 1981

England wicketkeeper Matt Prior has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket.

The 33-year-old, who won 79 Test caps, helped England to three Ashes series victories between 2009 and 2013.

The Sussex keeper has not played any cricket since July 2014 because of a recurring Achilles tendon injury.

"I was expecting to be fit for the 2015 season," Prior said. "Unfortunately, this has proved impossible, and I have now had to reach this decision."

He added: "I feel honoured to have played for Sussex and England as many times as I have and shared so many great times with both teams. I also feel privileged to have been involved in an era of such success for English cricket.

"I have always tried to play with pride and passion and have a deep belief that the team will always come first. Although I haven't achieved all the goals I had set out to, I feel immensely proud of what I have done in my career. Sadly it is now time to move on."

Prior became the first England wicketkeeper to score a century on debut, hitting an unbeaten 126 at Lord's against West Indies in 2007.

He leaves the game with a Test batting average of 40.18, the highest of any England wicketkeeper to claim more than 100 dismissals, external and the fourth best of all-time behind only Kumar Sangakkara, Andy Flower and Adam Gilchrist.

Image source, Getty Images
Image caption,

Prior played his last Test for England against India at Lord's in July 2013

The South African-born right-hander was named England's player of the year in 2013 after saving the final Test and series against New Zealand by batting for four-and-a-half hours on his way to an unbeaten century.

By that time, he had been appointed vice-captain and attempted to win a fourth Ashes series in Australia in 2013-14.

But his form dipped - he made only one fifty in eight Tests - and was dropped for the final two Tests of the 5-0 whitewash in Australia.

Despite his bludgeoning batting style, Prior could not replicate his Test form in one-day internationals, averaging 24.18 runs in 68 matches.

In December 2014, he co-founded the new professional One Pro Cycling team, saying cycling was a "huge passion".

Career highlights

Born in Johannesburg, Prior moved to England at the age of 11 and represented England at all ages, up to and including Under-19s

The wicketkeeper made his debut for Sussex - the only county he represented - in 2001. During his time at Hove, Sussex won three County Championships, three domestic one-day titles and the Twenty20 Cup.

In November 2004 he was selected to tour Zimbabwe with England's one-day squad.

On the 2010-11 tour of Australia, he claimed 23 catches in the series, including an Ashes-record-equalling six in the first innings at Melbourne.

He made 271 runs at a 67.75 average during England's 4-0 series win against India in 2011.

Tributes

Former England batsman Kevin Pietersen, who criticised Prior in his autobiography: "We may have had our differences, but I'd like to wish Matt Prior all the best for his future... we did play some v good cricket together!"

Media caption,

Prior deserves plaudits - Robinson

Former England women's captain Clare Connor: "Be very proud Matt Prior - you've played professional cricket with the same huge smile, heart & soul as when I first met you aged 10!"

Sussex cricket manager Mark Robinson told BBC Sussex: "He stands up as one of the best wicketkeeper-batsmen, in terms of his own personal stats and what he won. Matt finished international cricket and was going to play for us for a bit, so you feel a bit cheated. He still wants to be a part of the club, which is great news for us."

England batsman Ian Bell: "Congrats Matt Prior on a great career. Was a pleasure playing with you bud. Wish you all the best in the future endeavours!"

Prior's former teammate, Stuart Broad, told BBC Radio 5 live's In Short programme that he was "the heartbeat of the fielding team."

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