England wicket-keeper Matt Prior retires from cricket after achilles injury

England and Sussex wicket-keeper Matt Prior has confirmed his retirement from cricket due to injury.

The 33-year-old had hoped to recover from surgery on an Achilles injury in time for the 2015 domestic season but has been forced to cut short his career following medical advice.

Prior's final appearance came in July 2014 in the defeat to India at Lord's, the last of 79 test appearances for England during a stellar international career.

The right-hander won the Ashes three times with England, re-defining the role of the wicket-keeper batsman, with seven Test centuries and a best score of 131 coming against the West Indies.

Behind the stumps, Prior built a reputation as one of the most reliable gloveman in the sport and finishes as the England 'keeper with the second highest number of dismissals in Tests at 256, behind Alan Knott.

Away from cricket, Prior will now turn his full attention to his One Pro Cycling team, of which he became chief executive in December 2014.

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

"I have always tried to play with pride and passion and have a deep belief that the team will always come first, a value that will never leave me whatever I go on to do. 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."