England v New Zealand: I’m always looking to improve – Matt Prior
England v New Zealand: Matt Prior says he wants to continue improving after being named ECB cricketer of the year
Matt Prior says he wants to continue improving after being named as the ECB’s cricketer of the year.
The 31-year-old Sussex star won the accolade after a string of impressive performances and earning particular praise for his match-saving century in the final Test against New Zealand in March.
But Prior, who is the first England wicketkeeper to win the award, won’t be getting complacent ahead of the first Test of the home series against the Black Caps, which starts at Lord’s on Thursday.
“It’s very dangerous if you just look to hold on to what you have. I’m always looking to improve,” he told the ECB’s website.
“As a player you never really sit back and take stock of what has gone on before, you’re constantly into the next series, the next game, into whatever it may be. You don’t really have that time to reflect.
“The most important thing is looking forward now and preparing well for this Test series and this Test summer and hopefully maintaining my level of performance.”
He added: “You have to ask yourself some tough questions at times. Anybody who’s played any high-level sport at any point in time knows that.
“You all go through it, you have your bad times and I’ll have bad times again I’m sure. But I know I’ve come through it and I’m proud of that.
“It’s a great honour to win the award. I’m really privileged.”
