LONDON // Wicketkeeper Jos Buttler will make his Test debut after being named to replace Matt Prior in England’s 13-man squad to play India in the third Test, starting at Southampton on Sunday.
Prior announced following Monday’s 95-run second Test loss at Lord’s that he was withdrawing from the England squad for the final three matches of the series, having been hampered by poor form and injury.
Buttler, 23, has played 33 one-day internationals and 36 Twenty20 matches for England.
“Congratulations to Jos Buttler, who comes into the squad following some very exciting limited-overs performances for England and a good record with Lancashire this season and fully deserves this opportunity,” national selector James Whitaker said.
“Matt Prior has contributed a huge amount to the England side over the years and should be proud of his record throughout his 79 Tests. He has decided to take time out of the game to work on his fitness and we will continue to follow his progress over the coming months.”
England also dropped spinner Simon Kerrigan from the squad, who was called up for the Lord’s Test.
Prior, 32, had a torrid season behind the stumps and his rash dismissal – hooking Ishant Sharma – played a key role in England’s second-innings collapse at Lord’s.
He dropped six catches of varying difficulty this season, and with the bat, averaged just 25.
He attributed his poor form to injuries and expects to undergo surgery on an Achilles during the break, while he recovers from leg and hand problems.
“I’m not doing justice to myself and more importantly the team and that is what matters first and foremost,” Prior said. “I tore my quad before the first Test and my right hand has been beaten to a pulp, but the main issue is the Achilles.
“Now we have the time, I want to be proactive about how we deal with it, so I imagine that I’ll have an operation.
“I’ve always said as long as I can do my job, I will manage the pain and get on with it, but it has now got to the point where I can’t do my job to the level I expect of myself.”
An emotional Prior is reported to have told his England teammates of his decision in the Lord’s dressing room following their defeat.
He said he had no choice but to have a spell out of the firing line, but was hopeful of regaining his fitness and challenge for his place next year.
He was keen to play a role in rebuilding a team struggling badly after a miserable run of 10 consecutive Tests without a victory.
“It is a huge decision and not one I’ve taken lightly, obviously, because I could have played my last game,” Prior said. “Playing for England is the greatest honour you can have in the game and that is my motivation to come back and try and play again in the best possible condition.”
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