Prior wants to be part of Ashes squad

England wicket-keeper Matt Prior desperately wants to play in the 2015 Ashes series against Australia, calling it the pinnacle of English cricket.

Prior has been sidelined since July with an Achilles injury, and although he will miss the World Cup, starting in February, he still wants to be in the squad for the five Ashes Tests

He said: "For an England cricketer, it's the pinnacle. It's the biggest series and everything is intensified by 10 or 100. There's a lot to look forward to."

Prior, who has 79 Test caps, and has been part of three Ashes winning squads – in 2009, 2010-11 and 2013 – feels that England have their work cut out regain the famous trophy.

England were whitewashed 5-0 the last time the Ashes was played earlier this year, and after that series followed the retirements of Graeme Swann and the banishment from the side of Kevin Pietersen.

Prior said: "We failed so miserably last time, that there is a burning desire in every English cricketer to make up for that very, very poor performance.

"It's a new team; it's a team that has no scars or ghosts from that 5-0 beating. We're on home soil too – that makes a huge difference."

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