Sussex cricketer wins top award

Sussex wicketkeeper Matt Prior has been voted England Cricketer of the Year for 2012-13.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said: “He is the first England wicketkeeper to win this award after enjoying an excellent year behind the stumps and with the bat.”

The judges were impressed by the 31-year-old’s seven half-centuries against New Zealand, capped by his match-saving hundred as England salvaged a draw in the final test of the series.

Prior was honoured at a dinner in the Long Room at Lord’s where two other former Brighton College cricketers were in contention for the women’s title.

But Holly Colvin, of Sussex, and Sarah Taylor were pipped by Katherine Brunt who won the award for the third time.