LONDON, July 4: England have named Matt Prior in a 15-man squad for a series of three one-day internationals against Australia which starts at Headingley this Thursday. The Sussex wicket-keeper batsman, who made his one-day international debut against Zimbabwe last winter, has been included in the squad following the omission of Worcestershire’s Kabir Ali.

Hampshire’s Chris Tremlett, who was called up as cover for Simon Jones in the England squad in the triangular series with Australia and Bangladesh, has also been retained in the squad.

Chairman of Selectors, David Graveney, said: “We were delighted with the team’s strong performances during The NatWest Series and have made only one change to the squad for The NatWest Challenge.

“Matt Prior has been chosen as an impact player who is in good form and his inclusion will give Duncan Fletcher and Vaughan more options for their choice as substitute.”

Prior’s call-up is a reaction to the new regulations for limited-overs internationals which include a 12th-man substitute and new fielding tactics.

“Matt has been chosen purely as a specialist batsman, although he will obviously provide cover for Geraint Jones in the event of injury. Geraint has been in excellent form with both the bat and the gloves and the innings he produced under great pressure on Saturday was an outstanding effort.”

Squad: Michael Vaughan (captain), Paul Collingwood, Andrew Flintoff, Ashley Giles, Darren Gough, Stephen Harmison, Geraint Jones, Simon Jones, Jon Lewis, Kevin Pietersen, Matt Prior, Vikram Solanki, Andrew Strauss, Chris Tremlett, Marcus Trescothick.—AFP