Prior in optimistic mood

29 July 2007

Matt Prior © Getty Images

England wicket-keeper Matt Prior is backing his side to bat for a minimum of another four sessions to stave off defeat in the second npower Test with India at Trent Bridge.

England, who resume on Monday 240 runs behind with 10 second-innings wickets left were under pressure from the start of the match having been inserted in seamer-friendly conditions on the first day.

The home side were frustrated by India’s marathon innings of 481 but nevertheless it took two fortuitous decisions to prise out Sachin Tendulkar (91) and Sourav Ganguly (79).

“I think it’s pretty plain to see that the wicket has flattened out from the first day and it’s got better to bat on, which is good news for us,” said Prior, who spent 159 overs behind the stumps.

“It’s going to be a tall ask but I don’t see any reason why we can’t do it.

“We’ve got fantastic batsman and I think Monday morning will be a vital part of this game.

"If we can get through the first hour unscathed then it would be massive. We have to equal their first-innings score.”

Ganguly concurred with the assessment about the fourth morning but warned: “The wicket is going to be good on the third day of Test cricket anywhere in the world but it is going to get worse on the fourth and fifth day.”