Prior gives thumbs-up

Brisbane - England wicketkeeper Matt Prior completed training on Tuesday, raising hopes he will be fit to play in this week's Ashes opener against Australia at Brisbane's Gabba ground.

Prior, 31, batted for an hour against a variety of bowlers in the nets and practised some wicketkeeping drills before Thursday's first Test.

He wore strapping tape over the left calf he injured during England's warm-up match against Australia A in Hobart earlier this month, but appeared unimpeded in his movements.

Prior faced off-spinner Graeme Swann at the Gabba nets under the eye of England batting coach Graham Gooch.

After a series of runs between the wickets during his net session to test his calf, he gave coach Andy Flower a thumbs-up as he walked away.

The sight of Prior training freely will be a welcome boost to the tourists given that their back-up is part-time 'keeper Jonny Bairstow.

However Bairstow kept adequately during last week's tour match in Sydney.