Matt Prior's surprise recall
A former England wicketkeeper made a brief, unexpected appearance in Townsville
ESPNcricinfo staff
15-Nov-2017
A blast from England's past appeared in Townsville on the opening day of their final warm-up match.
Early on in the day, listed at No. 6 in England's line-up was "Prior". Matt Prior was an integral part of England's 2010-11 Ashes success Down Under, but the tour three years later had fewer happy memories as injury forced him out after three Tests. His career would only have four more Tests.
Noting his surprise at his brief England recall, Prior later tweeted: "I knew I was meant to be doing something today! What I'd give to be out there with those boys now"
Sensational recall for Matt Prior. In a twist he appears to have grown hair - red hair - and look like Jonny Bairstow pic.twitter.com/Q0t3j4uZzX
— George Dobell (@GeorgeDobell1) November 15, 2017
I knew I was meant to be doing something today! What I'd give to be out there with those boys now https://t.co/mFqXjyFh5G
— Matt Prior (@MattPrior13) November 15, 2017
England did need a reserve keeper on the opening day against the Cricket Australia XI after Jonny Bairstow provided a brief scare with a damaged finger, but it wasn't Prior. Ben Foakes was given permission to take the gloves and claimed a catch off Chris Woakes before Bairstow was patched up and returned to the field.