Crisis man Prior comes good again

NAGPUR: At 139-5, England's best batsman back in the pavilion; a debutant on the crease, things couldn't have been more perfect for India to wrap up the innings quickly. In comes the crisis man of England and bailed them out of trouble yet again. Matt Prior has grown in reputation over the past two three years, thanks to his ability to play under pressure.
Before 2010, he was more popular in India for jellybean incident but his fighting knocks in the last three-four years have changed the perception.While the experts have praised the contribution of Alastair Cook's batting; the dominance of England spinners; reintegration of Kevin Pietersen, the tourists wouldn't have got the same success without Prior gutsy knocks in every match of the series so far.
The Nagpur wicket was looking very difficult for stroke-playing, as Pietersen too described. Another wicket and India would have smelled the blood. Prior, though, again showed his steely resolve. He is a fierce competitor, loves the challenges and generally thrives on them. He did it again in company of Joe Root. His 103-run sixth wicket stand could prove crucial in the context of the match as well as the series. Prior was clearly the calming influence for Root in the tense situation.
When England were looking down the barrel in Ahmedabad, Prior was the man who ensured that his team gets as close as possible to India's huge total. Then again, when India looked like wrapping things early after second innings collapse, Prior stood like a rock and extended the game to fifth day. Till he lobbed an easy catch to Pragyan Ojha, England were looking like saving the game. It was his gutsy effort, along with Cook, that lifted the morale of the England dressing room. The message was loud and clear for India: We are no pushovers. He has made useful contributions in previous three matches and Nagpur Test was no different.
It wasn't something Prior was doing for the first time. He has already done it in the past for numerous situations. During the last Ashes, he made valuable contributions in Melbourne and Sydney to help England break the 24-year-old jinx. Last year, it was Prior who prevented the collapse against India at Lord's Test and snatched the momentum from the tourists. In Nottingham, he aggressive fifty not only tore apart the Indian bowling but their morale too. England might have lost their World No.1 status but if they reached at the top, a lot of credit must go to Prior. In fact, he nearly prevented South Africa from becoming No. 1. Till Prior was there, England were always in the game despite the batting collpase.
The ability to switch the game according to situation makes him more dangerous. He has solid defense as well as all the strokes in the book. Unlike some his other teammates, he plays the spin quite well. While he uses the crease well, Prior never shies of stepping out of the crease.
At 30, Prior's exploits in the last five years have already made him the best England wicketkeeper ever. In the past, some were good in front of the wicket, some were behind, this man has is equally adept at both.