Matt Prior optimistic he will recover for next week’s Ashes opener

England wicketkeeper Matt Prior today said the “signs are good” as he recovers from a calf tear ahead of next week’s first Ashes Test.

Prior (above) sustained the injury against Australia A and was ruled out of this game against an Invitational XI.

“Rehab on the injury is going well and it’s improving everyday,” he told a webchat with the Daily Telegraph today. “I was even allowed to leave the trusty ice machine to hit some balls in the nets today! Signs are good so fingers well and truly crossed.”

Out in the middle here, Joe Root restated the quality of his credentials to return to England’s middle order.

His composed, unfussy innings of 75 almost certainly means that he will occupy the No6 position throughout the Ashes and perhaps beyond. It was not the berth for which he was destined when the tourists arrived three weeks ago. Then he was firmly cast as Alastair Cook’s opening partner well into the future.

Cook and Root (pictured) had been brought together at the start of last summer’s Ashes in England and were a work in progress. But the continuing dearth of runs from the occupants of the pivotal middle-order spot have provoked a swift rethink.