Prior signs new Sussex contract

Prior recently reclaimed his England place from Tim Ambrose

England wicketkeeper Matt Prior has signed a new three-year deal to stay with Sussex.

The 26-year-old, who is in England's squad to tour the West Indies, has been with Sussex since 2001.

"It's good news. He's one of our own having come through the system," Sussex cricket manager Mark Robinson told BBC Southern Counties Radio.

"We know each other really well. He's a fine player and is hopefully just coming into his prime."

The Johannesburg-born wicketkeeper has played 12 Tests for his adopted country and 33 one-day internationals.

He hit 983 first-class runs for Sussex during the 2008 domestic season at an average of 49.15 and 446 one-day runs at 55.75, while also reclaiming his England place from former Sussex team-mate Tim Ambrose.

Although he was not given a full central contract by the England & Wales Cricket Board, Prior was handed a 12-month increment contract in September.

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"Since 2003 he's played in a team that have won three County Championships and three one-day trophies," added Robinson.

"He's been part of that little era that has done very well,

"What we're hoping with people like Matt, Michael Yardy and Luke Wright is that they will be the backbone of the new era and continue our success."