Matt Prior is looking forward to some ferocious verbal exchanges with fellow Englishman James Anderson, but offered nothing more than stoic silence when asked about Kevin Pietersen.
The 32-year-old wicketkeeper, who lost his place in the England team mid-way through the Ashes series, is plotting a way to get back in the side and considers his excursion to the UAE a very important part of that process.
Prior will be playing in the Emirates Airline Twenty20 tournament over the coming weekend, whilst also appearing in some practice matches before the English county championship season gets underway on April 6.
Sussex are twice winners and defending champions of the tournament, which will be played at 7he Sevens on Friday, and they will have to beat Lancashire Lightning, featuring Anderson, in the semi-finals to give themselves a chance of a hat-trick.
Prior said: “It is a big part of our pre-season to be able to come here and play the Emirates Airline Twenty20 and get it right.
“I have had a nice time away from the game after the Ashes. I spent a lot of time on my bike, which I thoroughly enjoy and it has managed to keep me pretty fit.”
On facing Anderson, Prior added: “Jimmy is a hard competitor against any opponent, but I think he is probably tougher with anyone he's played cricket with.
“I am certainly expecting to get quite a few words and a bit of a barrage from him.”
But when asked about his recent row with former England batsman Pietersen, Prior clammed up. “I am not here to talk about anyone else, or anything else."
