Matt Prior scored his maiden first-class hundred to out a reminder to the England selectors as they pick the squad to go to the winter academy.

The 20-year-old became the first Sussex wicketkeeper since Peter Moores in 1997 to score a century as Sussex piled up 631-6 declared on the second day against Hampshire at Hove.

Prior used a bat supplied by Newbery, whose workshop is in the County Ground, after his old blade had cracked and scored 102 not out with 12 fours and two sixes.

He revealed: "I went to the workshop on Wednesday and was shown a bat which Mark Ramprakash has helped design. It's more of an Indian-style bat than an English one and felt really good in the nets yesterday."

Prior came into the match having scored just 27 runs in six previous Championship innings and admitted his poor form was starting to affect his confidence.

He said: "At first I was getting good balls but it does start to play on your mind and before you know it you're putting pressure on yourself and you are suddenly out of nick.

"It's amazing how quickly the game can change, but the important thing is how you bounce back.

"I knew there was a great chance to bat well yesterday and I walked out feeling pretty confident and just backed myself to play as I can."

Prior was on 99 for an agonising 13 balls as skipper Chris Adams waited to declare before reaching three figures with an on drive off Shaun Udal.

"I was conscious that we wanted to declare so I said to myself if I end up 99 not out then so be it, I was determined not to give it away because I knew eventually a bad ball would come and luckily I managed to put it away," he added.

Now he is hoping for more good news when the squads for the academy and the winter tour to Australia are announced at Lord's on Tuesday.

Prior was not included in the provisional academy squad when it was announced in July, but director Rod Marsh confirmed at the time that there was still an opportunity for players to force their way in.

"I was disappointed not to be included in the initial selection, but I know I am still in their thoughts," he said. "I'm still hopeful and getting this ton before they pick the squad means it is fresh in the selectors' minds."

Hampshire closed on 69-1 after 34 overs were lost to rain but they still trail by 562 runs with two days to go.