Prior - Series draw would be 'massive'

By Danny Hall

Sussex wicket-keeper Matt Prior has admitted that coming away with a draw from the test series in Sri Lanka would be a ‘massive’ result for the England team. Prior, who averages 47.33 approaching the final test in Galle, hailed the character in the England team that managed to snatch a draw in the second test, leaving them with a chance of levelling the series at 1-1.

Speaking to BBC Sport, Prior said: “Of course we approached it like we do every series - looking to emerge victorious - but to come away from here with a win in the final game and a 1-1 series draw would be absolutely massive.

“Having battled well in the first Test only to come up a fraction short, we again showed just how much character we have in this side to grind out a draw in the second match.

That kept us in the series and it's an opportunity we're determined not to miss.”

Prior spent almost three days on the field, but insisted that he is happy to risk fatigue and injury for the good of the squad.

“I've never been in a position like that before but there is no way you will hear me complaining - we'd all rather be out performing than back in the dressing room. We're relishing the challenge.

“We all knew there would be times on this tour when things would be tough, and we were determined that we would meet those challenges full of heart and character - I don't think anyone can say we haven't done that.”

The wicket-keeper took time out from preparing for the Galle test match to reflect on what is really a monumental test match for the town devastated by the Tsunami of 2004.

“While the devastation of that terrible time is still apparent to some extent here, it was only really the other day that it dawned on us just how big a deal this match is.

“At the end of the day, we're just a bunch of fellas playing a cricket match, but we have an opportunity to bring some joy to these people and hopefully put on a show”.