Matt Prior retires from international cricket: Reactions

In July 2014, England‘s much vaunted wicketkeeper announced that he is taking a break from cricket.

England cricketer Matt Prior on Thursday announced retirement from international cricket, on the grounds of medical reasons. In July 2014, England‘s much vaunted wicketkeeper announced that he is taking a break from cricket citing unhappiness over his fitness levels. VIDEO: Matt Prior announces his retirement from international cricket

“Today is a very sad day for me as I am forced to announce my retirement from the game I love. 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.

“I feel honoured to have played for Sussex and England as many times as I have and shared so many great times with both teams. I also feel privileged to have been involved in an era of such success for English cricket.

“I would like to thank my family, team-mates, coaches and the people behind the scenes that have supported me throughout the years. I have created friendships that will last forever. It would also be remiss of me not to thank the fantastic support I have had from cricket fans both at home and abroad.

Sad 2 see @MattPrior13 finish. What a career. One of @SussexCCC best ever. It was a pleasure to have played 4 Sussex & Eng with u. #GOSBTS

— Luke Wright (@lukewright204) June 11, 2015

Congrats @MattPrior13 on a brilliant Eng career. Sad he’s had to retire due to injury but should be proud of his achievements #keepersunion

— Alec Stewart (@StewieCricket) June 11, 2015

The South African-born Prior hoped that he would make a speedy comeback to cricket. The 31 year-old’s performances have come under intense scrutiny in recent months after persistent poor shows with the bat and behind the stumps. Prior’s made his decision just a few hours after England crashed to yet another Test defeat, this time to India by 95 runs at Lord’s.