Prior in for Natwest Challenge

Wicketkeeper-batsman Matthew Prior has been named to the England squad for the upcoming Natwest Challenge against Australia. The 3-game One Day International series starts on Thursday at Headingley, and Prior replaces Kabir Ali in the 15-man English party.

The move is supposedly to allow flexibility for coach Duncan Fletcher in consideration of the new ODI substitution rules. Retaining his place in the squad was seamer Chris Tremlett, who was initially called up as injury cover for Simon Jones.

Performing impressively for Sussex of late, the 23-year-old Matthew Prior debuted for England in his lone One Day International to date, against Zimbabwe late last year. A show of further impressive form this season sees Prior back in the international picture.