Sussex star Matt Prior has revealed his one regret from a glorious Ashes campaign.
Prior, widely praised for his batting and wicketkeeping, wishes he had scored a century.
England clinched the series 2-1 with a fifth Test victory at the Oval. Prior was thrilled with the success but admitted: “The one disappointment was that I didn’t get a hundred.
“Andrew Strauss has been saying we need to score more of them.
“I suppose it was asking a lot of myself when I ran myself out twice in the series.
”I was gutted when Marcus North hit one stump from the boundary at Lord’s because I thought I might be on for a big score there.
“And at the Oval too, that was just one of those days when you go out to bat and you just feel in great rhythm.”
Prior’s glovework has improved significantly since England took on former international Bruce French as wicketkeeping coach and he acknowledges the difference since being axed at the start of 2008.
He added: “I knew I only had myself to blame for being dropped and I knew that there was no magic solution.
“I just had to keep working hard, prepare in a way that gave myself the best possible chance, and I might get another go.
“I don’t think I’ve cracked it now, and I haven’t stopped trying to improve. I think that’s one of the strengths of my game.”
Prior is part of an England side which faces Ireland in a one-day international at Stormont today.
They will then take on Australia in two Twenty20 internationals and seven 50-over contests Prior says he is in great shape to tackle an arduous schedule. He added: “If you want to perform at a high level throughout, you have to be very fit.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here