Prior welcomes Mustard

Wicketkeeper Matt Prior admits the presence of Phil Mustard in the England squad for the Test series against Sri Lanka will add a much-needed "competitive edge".

Mustard deputised for Prior during the recent one-day series in Sri Lanka, but is not expected to retain the position when the Test series gets under way on December 1 in Kandy.

"To have someone there is fantastic because we can bounce ideas off each other. He's a great lad and I'm excited about working with him," Prior told Sky Sports News. "We push each other which adds a competitive edge, and that's important."

Prior missed the one-day series against Sri Lanka with a broken thumb and he admits the time off gave him a perfect opportunity to reflect on his impressive start to life on the international scene.

"The thumb is working again," he added. "I'm just looking forward to getting away, the break was nice and it was an opportunity to clear my head and reflect on a fantastic summer.

"I'm really excited about getting out there and being successful - everyone knows what they have to do to be ready.

"It's going to be exciting to get out there and play some cricket.

"I look back on last summer with a huge amount of positivity and excitement - I realised a dream. To get 100 on debut (against West Indies at Lord's) was a fantastic moment. Like any sport you have your ups and downs, it's all about how you cope.

"I was pleased with my form towards the end of the summer, I came back strong against India in the one-day series and Twenty20 series."