Prior feels England can be dangerous at World Cup

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  • There’s hope: Matt Prior feels since there will be no pressure on England at the World Cup, the players will be able to play freely.

    Many would consider a 5-2 series humbling at the hands of Sri Lanka less than ideal preparation for a looming World Cup followed by an Ashes Tour in 2015, but England wicketkeeper Matt Prior thinks it may work to England’s advantage.

    The gloveman feels the team’s recent poor form may actually help reduce some of the pressure, allowing them to go out and perform to their potential at the World Cup.

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    “We are now clear underdogs going in to the World Cup, but when I have been involved in the dressing room as underdogs after being written off, that’s almost when we play our best cricket.

    “I wouldn’t be surprised if England turned out to be the surprise package in next year’s tournament,” Prior, who has been working his way back from serious Achilles injury, told Sport360° at 7he Sevens cricket ground in Dubai.

    Prior also feels that England captain Alastair Cook – who has come under heavy criticism for his poor run of scores – has been treated unfairly by the critics. But he believes the opener, who has gone for 10 straight ODI innings without a half-century, will emerge stronger from the recent setbacks.

    “Whether Cooky is picked when the squad is announced on Saturday or not, we have to get behind that decision and support the team. The amount of criticism Cooky has shouldered is very unfair. Everyone has played their part (in the downfall) and the team hasn’t performed well.

    "I don’t think that being captain is affecting Cook with the bat. He’s mentally very, very tough and there is no doubt that the team’s performances have made his job a lot harder. When you are winning things it all seems a lot easier but I am sure he will come through it.”

    As far as the results in Sri Lanka are concerned, Prior believes there were quite a few positives for the England management to take.

    “There were a lot of positives from the recent series against Sri Lanka,” the 32-year-old said.

    “After years of performing at a first-class level James Taylor gets his opportunity and I thought he grabbed it with both hands, while Moeen Ali’s hundred was spectacular. Prior reserved particular praise for Joe Root as one of the few other England players to enhance their reputation on Sri Lanka’s tough, spin-friendly wickets.

    “Root’s performance throughout the series was brilliant. I think he ended up being top run-scorer in the series which is fantastic for a young English batsman to play world-class spin as well as he did.”

    Matt Prior was in the UAE as a guest of Sport Arabia and was in the Emirates to promote his new Cycling team One Pro Cycling.

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