Two things we love about Matt Prior

(1) He didn't let us down

(2) He scores like a demon

The naysayers, in addition to saying 'nay', will point to the fact that Matt Prior batted in forgiving circumstances with runs on the board and the West Indian bowlers faltering.

We'll counter that by pointing out that driving home an advantage is just as handy as launching a counter-attack for a number seven batsman.

We're all agreed that Adam Gilchrist is the benchmark for wicketkeeper-batsmen and for all the blistering rearguard innings he's produced, he's played even more kick-'em-when-they're-down knocks.

Good for Matt Prior. International sportsmen should always be motivated and professional and you couldn't have asked for more from him. Plus he hits the ball like it's been calling him names for the last six months.

A century on debut. Carry on, Matt.

Day two of the first Test, England v West Indies at Lord's:
England: 553-5 (Alastair Cook 105, Paul Collingwood 111, Ian Bell 109no, Matt Prior 126no)