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Prior Out Of Final Tour Game With Calf Injury

by John Pennington Monday 11 November 2013

Matthew Prior will sit out England's final warm-up game with a torn calf muscle

©REUTERS / Action Images

England will be without their first-choice wicket-keeper when they play the Cricket Australia Invitational XI in Sydney after Matthew Prior was diagnosed with a calf muscle tear.

He suffered the injury to his left calf during the drawn game against Australia 'A' in Hobart and his absence means that Jonny Bairstow will take over the gloves.

Although Prior, England's vice-captain, will be missing, Kevin Pietersen is set to play despite needing to travel to Melbourne for a cortisone injection in his right knee.

He missed part of England's tour of New Zealand, the Champions Trophy and the home series against New Zealand with a chronic knee injury that needs careful management.

England are optimistic that both Prior and Pietersen will be fit for the first Ashes Test, which begins in Brisbane on 21st November.

"Matt Prior has been ruled out of the tour game starting on Wednesday with a low-grade tear of his left calf,'' an ECB spokesman said.

"He will continue his rehab and recovery with a view to being picked for the first Test."

England begin their game against the CA Invitational XI on Wednesday 13th November, one day after Australia name their squad for the Brisbane Test.

Obviously very disappointed to be missing the game at SCG but doing everything possible to be ready for the 1st Test at the Gabba! #ashes
— Matt Prior (@MattPrior13) November 11, 2013