Prior signs contract extension

Matt Prior will be staying on at Sussex at least until the end of the 2013 season, after signing a new two-year deal with the club.

Prior, 29, made his first-class debut for Sussex a decade ago in 2001, before being awarded his county cap in 2003. He went on to make his England Test debut in 2007 against West Indies at Lord's.

He has made over 10,000 first-class runs and while England duties have taken him away from Hove of late, he made an unbeaten 97 against Hampshire to seal victory in the County Championship this season, while he also hit 89 off only 59 balls in the Friends Life t20 victory at Kent.

After signing a new deal, Prior said, "It's a great honour to sign another contract for Sussex. I've been at the club as a professional for eleven years now and it is very close to my heart.

"The support over the years from the fans and members alike has been very special, and the players and management are always striving for more success which I can hopefully be a big part of."

Mark Robinson, Sussex's Professional Cricket Manager said, "To have the best wicketkeeper-batsman in the world committed to us for the next two years is fantastic for the club. Matt nowadays doesn't just bring his performance when he comes back to play for us, but a wealth of experience and desire for himself and those around him to succeed."