Tri-Nations: 'England bosses must not panic' says Matt Prior

Matt Prior does not believe England's management should make wholesale changes following their three-wicket defeat by Australia in the opening match of the Tri-Nations series in Sydney.

The tourists made the worst possible start losing Ian Bell first ball and, later in the same over, watched as James Taylor also departed trapped leg before by Mitchell Starc.

Joe Root was the next to lose his wicket to leave England 12-3, which became 69-5 inside 16 overs.

But Prior, who opted to take a break from international cricket following surgery last year, believes coach Peter Moores and his fellow selectors should refrain from making sweeping changes – especially with the start of the World Cup less than one month away.

Prior told Sky Sports News HQ: “Right now, you have to be logical about everything. The Aussies actually bowled really well from the start. Mitchell Starc hit the straps straight away and got two wickets early on.

“Let’s just sit on things for a couple of games and don’t panic just yet but the batsman know they will have to perform much better than that.

The worst thing the England management could do is change everything.

“The early collapse has not been a major issue recently, so the worst thing the England management could do is change everything.”

As for England’s performance, Prior said: “That first over put us right behind the eight ball. To lose two wickets straight away and at one stage we were 69-5, so from there you’re always going to struggle.

“Eoin Morgan’s innings was fantastic – which was great to see with the captaincy and leading from the front. He remained calm and England posted a total (234) that could have been defendable.

“But England were below par, and they needed early wickets – which they didn’t get – but Eoin got a hundred under his belt and will get a lot of confidence from that.”

As for the attack, the Sussex wicketkeeper added: “The bowlers had a good run out, even with a low total to defend. Chris Woakes did well with four wickets, that’s positive, he is developing and has put on another yard of pace.

“Stuart Broad had a run out too, following a long time out with injury. It’s early days yet but from 69-5 defeat was probably inevitable.”

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Regarding England’s chances in the World Cup, Prior said: “They are certainly underdogs. Australia are full of confidence, used to winning while England have to work hard on the things they believe will help them win, and keep improving and developing.

“The World Cup is all about peaking at the right time and if you get a little bit of momentum anything can happen.”