Prior bids cricket bye

Former England wicketkeeper Matt Prior announced on Thursday that he has retired at the age of 33 due to injury.

Prior made the last of his 79 Test appearances against India at Lord's 11 months ago before undergoing surgery on his Achilles tendon.

He had hoped to return to action with Sussex in this season's County Championship, but having failed to recover full fitness, he has decided to walk away.

"Today is a very sad day for me, as I am forced to announce my retirement from the game I love," Prior said in a statement released by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).

"I had been hoping and expecting to be fit for the start of the 2015 season. Unfortunately, this has proved impossible, and I have now had to reach this decision."

Prior made his England debut against the West Indies at Lord's in May 2007 and marked the occasion with a maiden century.

"I feel honoured to have played for Sussex and England and shared so many great times with both teams," Prior added.

"I also feel privileged to have been involved in an era of success for English cricket."

“Although I haven't achieved all the goals I had set out to, I feel immensely proud of what I have done in my career. Sadly it is now time to move on."