England wicket-keeper Matt Prior has claimed holding on to their world No1 ranking is the biggest motivation for his side.
Speaking at a dinner at The Ivy in Dubai organised by the Jumeirah Group ahead of the third Test with Pakistan, Prior spoke of the team’s desire to conquer the subcontinent despite their recent troubles.
England batted dreadfully in the first two Tests, and although the series is already lost, the Sussex man is adamant the No1 spot is worth fighting for.
He said: “I think that what the past couple of weeks have shown is how difficult it’s going to be to stay at No1 in the world, but also how important it is to us.
“We had a meeting this morning, and we’ve no doubt that after the past couple of weeks, if we don’t perform this week, it could be taken away from us as quickly as it came.
“None of us want that, the
ranking is something that we’re massively proud of as individuals and as a team, and it’s something we want to hold on to for as long as possible.
“I know talk is cheap, we have to go and perform, and we have a lot of cricket to play in the sub-continent so we’re going to have to improve, but that No1 position is the pinnacle, and is something we want to hold on to for as long as we can.”
Prior added: “Beating India 4-0 and going to No1 in the world was, for me, the proudest moment of my career.
“Other people would think it’s Australia, and winning in Australia, but for me, to go No1 in the world shows consistency.”
