Former Sussex and England wicketkeeper retires
Friday 12 June 2015 09:48, UK
Bob Willis says Matt Prior can be proud of his contribution to one of the most successful eras in English cricket, after the wicketkeeper/batsman announced his retirement from all forms of cricket.
Willis added that Prior will be remembered as one of the greats and that his retirement is a sad loss for the game.
“Matt was always a team player,” said Willis. “I emphasise the word ‘team’ as the team always came first with him.
“He didn’t mind coming in down the order, giving his wicket away in the pursuit of quick runs if that was what was needed. And his wicketkeeping defied belief at the end, before injury got to him.
“He needs to be remembered right at the top of the tree in terms of wicketkeeper/batsmen. He was as good as anybody in the world, after a very difficult start.
“He was left out of the side after a poor tour of Sri Lanka. But he bounced back, replaced Tim Ambrose, and became a very vital part of the most successful England team of recent times.”
Prior scored seven centuries and averaged 40.18 across 79 Tests for England. He also accounted for 256 dismissals, just shy of Alan Knott’s record 269.
Despite Prior’s impressive record and being only 33-years-old, Willis said the news of his retirement didn’t come as a shock.
“Matt was with us for a couple of games during the World Cup in the Sky Sports studio, and he said then that it was always one step forward, three steps back with this wretched Achilles injury.
“It’s desperately disappointing he can’t continue but he’s had to bow to the inevitable.
“He’ll be sorely missed to the game. He was a great competitor, and played the game with a smile on his face.”
