England wait on Prior

Brisbane - Wicketkeeper Matt Prior trained with his team-mates on Wednesday as England delayed a decision on whether he will play in the opening Ashes Test against Australia.

Prior has been treating a calf strain since the Australia A tour game in Hobart two weeks ago, but indications are that he has been winning his battle.

Captain Alastair Cook could not confirm whether Prior would play in the Gabba Test starting on Thursday, but said he expected to know more later on Wednesday.

"Not yet, he's got the last part of his fitness to go," Cook told a news conference.

"Yesterday he trained really well and came through all that was asked of him.

"When you are getting close to fitness it's how you pull up the next day after a strenuous session, that will give us a really good indication and we'll know pretty soon."

Prior took part in the England team warm-up on the Gabba with his left calf bandaged. Should he be ruled out, Jonny Bairstow will replace him.