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Matt Prior on course for England Ashes opener

Prior on course for England Ashes opener
© PA Photos
Matt Prior looks likely to be fit in time for England's opening Ashes Test against Australia on Thursday.

Wicketkeeper Matt Prior looks likely to be passed fit in time for England's Ashes opener against Australia this week.

The 31-year-old has been a doubt for the opening Test in Brisbane for the majority of November due to sustaining a calf problem a few weeks ago in the drawn tour match with Australia A in Hobart.

Jonny Bairstow is thought to be in line to keep wicket for the Three Lions if Prior is not fit to play, although the casualty recently admitted that his recovery was looking good.

However, Prior's chances of playing at the Gabba seem to have increased after coming through his first net session on Sunday, before batting and completing his wicketkeeping drills on Monday without any discomfort.

When asked how he was feeling by journalists as he left training, Prior responded by giving a thumbs up, although his involvement won't be decided until Wednesday.

The first Test gets underway in Brisbane on Thursday.

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England's Matt Prior dives forward to catch the ball and dismiss Australia's Chris Rogers on day three of the fourth Ashes Test
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