Prior plots England return on West Indies tour

Aug 21 (Reuters) - Matt Prior has dismissed suggestions his England career is over and has targeted April's series in the West Indies for his return from a long-standing Achilles problem.

The wicketkeeper will undergo surgery next month on the injury which has dogged him for two years and flared up in the home series against India, forcing him to step aside after England lost the second Test last month.

Many were quick to write off the righthander because of the success of his replacement Jos Buttler, who scored 200 in three innings as England won the remaining Tests to claim the series 3-1.

"I'm only 32 and everyone talks about you like that's it, it's the end," Prior told Reuters in an interview at the Singapore Cricket Club.

"People seem to forget very quickly what you have given in the past, and that actually add something to the team at one point. But that's the nature of the beast, that's sport, it moves on very quickly and I accept that.

Given Buttler's impressive start (albeit in only three innings), I think it will be difficult for Prior to reclaim the gloves. Buttler is the future and England need to run with him and give him every opportunity to fail. It will be interesting to see whether Prior is selected as the backup keeper or if Bairstow gets the nod.

It's a little sad when people do not realize their time is past. Prior has had his time and there is no way that he is ever making a come back to the England team. Even if buttler has a horror time the next one year, he will be persisted with.

I really do hope that the selectors stick with Buttler. I feel bad for Prior. He was an incredible wicketkeeper for England, averaging 40.18 in 79 Tests, though it does appear  as though his days as a Test cricketer are over. Since 2013, Prior has a Test average of 30.92 in 17 matches with just the one century. I do think he can add value by serving as Buttler's backup.

He is being a Heel regardless of achillies  !

because Prior to the Butler , he was the door Matt !  ;D