Matt Prior Named England Cricket of the Year

England wicketkeeper Matt Prior has been named cricketer of the year for the 2012/13 season, the England and Wales Cricket Board have announced.

Prior held off competition from last year's winner James Anderson and test and one-day captain Alastair Cook to scoop the prize voted for by members of the cricketing media.

The 31 year old scored seven half-centuries and one match-saving hundred against New Zealand during the past season as he enhanced his reputation as one of the finest wicket-keeper batsman in the modern game.

"I've no doubt the innings in against New Zealand is pretty fresh in people's minds so that's probably had something to do with it," Prior admitted.

"It was great to get over the line, a hugely proud moment but from a team point of view we want to be winning Test matches not drawing them.

"But to save a game for your country is a great feeling and I was very proud."

The Sussex 'keeper will be hoping his match-saving services won't be required this summer as England face back-to-back series against New Zealand, starting this Thursday at Lord's, and then against Australia in the Ashes.

And Prior has warned England's can't afford a slow start to their summer schedule.

"You can't have Test matches that are warm-ups," he added. "Every Test match is a special moment.

"You only have to walk into this ground at Lord's and walk out playing for your country.

"This series is massive. We had a tough series in New Zealand and we want to put in good performances and get a win.

"Winning is a habit and you want to get in that habit as soon as possible. Our best preparation whether it be the Ashes, India or New Zealand, is winning Test matches and we want to start on Thursday."

Katherine Brunt won the female cricketer of the year award while Essex youngster Ben Foakes claimed the development prize