Prior steps up as tourists allay fears over Cook

Alastair Cook and Stuart Broad are both sitting out today’s opening three-day game with Western Australia at the WACA.

The sore backs which have put paid to captain and opening batsman Cook’s first sighters in Perth and contributed to lynchpin seamer Broad missing his initial reconnaissance, do at least throw up decidedly handy opportunities for others.

Matt Prior has been handed the chance to show what he can do as captain from behind the stumps, while circumstances have conspired to allow England – who have also seen Monty Panesar laid low by a stomach upset – to assess an extra bowler and deploy Michael Carberry at the top of the order alongside Joe Root.

In a three-day match against a Western Australia XI starting on Halloween, at 2.30am UK time, England were preparing to unleash all three of their tall fast bowlers at a venue which is traditionally home to the world’s bounciest pitches.

Steven Finn, Chris Tremlett and the uncapped Boyd Rankin may all get a chance on a surface ideally-suited to their talents.

Concerns about Cook’s well-being should not persist either, according to Prior.

“Him missing this game is purely precautionary, so I’d be very surprised if he doesn’t play the next one,” the wicketkeeper said.

That will be against a strong Australia A side in Hobart on November 6, a week-long deadline Cook and Broad must both make if they are to vindicate the party line.

That date also appears to be inked in for two other Test regulars, Kevin Pietersen and Graeme Swann fit and well but thought likely to wait until England’s second match to get their tour under way.

The temperature in Perth also shot up in time for England’s last practice day – from the mid-20s to the high 30s, in 24 hours – so Cook and Broad might have found some consolation in the shade while their team-mates worked up a sweat.

Prior reported no quarter given as batsmen and bowlers alike press their claims for inclusion in a series which could rewrite cricket history as England bid for a fourth successive Ashes victory.

“It’s great to have competition in a team and in a squad.

“It’s not just in the bowlers – it’s batters, all-rounders, throughout the team. There’s a huge amount of competition.”