Prior ‘hunted mercilessly’ by media

Media scrutiny played a major part in wicketkeeper Matt Prior’s decision to stand down from England duty for the rest of the summer, according to Sussex manager Mark Robinson. The 32-year-old had said injury was the reason he stood down this week.

His announcement followed England’s second Test defeat by India at Lord’s.

“The media have hunted him mercilessly and made his position and Alastair Cook’s job difficult for any player,” Robinson told BBC Radio Sussex.

“With Matt carrying injuries it probably got a bit too much and he has done the right thing to pull himself out.  Everybody scrutinises every move he does, it almost makes it impossible for him to do his job, as it is for the England captain. Every move they make is under enormous pressure.”  — BBC Sport