Sussex's Matt Prior will open the batting when he makes his England debut later this year.

The 22-year-old was named in a 14-man squad to play five one-day internationals in Zimbabwe and has been told by chairman of selectors David Graveney that he is going to deputise for Marcus Trescothick, one of two high-profile stars rested for the series which starts in Bulawayo on November 25.

Prior has no reservations about going to Zimbabwe despite the worsening political situation there.

He said: "It's every youngster's dream to play for his country and all I'm interested in is taking that chance. My job is to play cricket, politics doesn't interest me."

Prior admitted his call-up came as a complete surprise, although he was aware that the selectors were looking to recruit from the England Academy when Steve Harmison opted out of the tour on moral grounds and coach Duncan Fletcher insisted that Trescothick, Andrew Flintoff and Ashley Giles be rested.

Prior links up with the Academy again on October 10 before leaving for Namibia on November 15 for ten days' acclimitisation.

He added: "We had our Academy medicals last week and (Academy director) Rod Marsh said there was a chance one or two of us might go, but I wasn't really expecting it.

"When I got the call from David Graveney yesterday I was quite shocked. But it's funny how things happen when you least expect them.

"He told me that they wanted me to open the batting and throw myself around in the field which is something I love doing anyway."

Prior's international call-up completes a meteoric rise for the 22-year-old who only joined the Sussex staff in 2001 after coming up through the county's youth system.

He soon established himself in the side as a wicketkeeper-batsman and was a huge success opening in one-day cricket last season.

He scored 641 runs and averaged more than 40 in the totesport League and made his maiden one-day hundred and five half-centuries.

Prior will also deputise for wicketkeeper Geraint Jones, but he is thrilled to get his chance at the top of the order.

He said: "They are definitely looking to get me in early to play my natural game. It's a huge challenge but I've always loved a challenge and I can't wait.

"It will break up the winter with the Academy quite nicely. The Academy is hard work, but this is something to look forward too."

Nottinghamshire batsman Kevin Pietersen, another Academy graduate, is the other new face in the squad.

England squad: Michael Vaughan (captain), James Anderson, Gareth Batty, Ian Bell, Paul Collingwood, Ashley Giles, Darren Gough, Geraint Jones, Simon Jones, Kevin Pietersen, Matthew Prior, Vikram Solanki, Andrew Strauss, Alex Wharf.