Matt Prior missed out on a return to limited-overs cricket for England after being overlooked for a place in the provisional 30-man squad for the Champions Trophy in June.
Prior is England’s first-choice Test wicketkeeper, scoring an unbeaten century to spare England a series defeat to New Zealand last month, but has struggled in the one-dayers and hasn’t played in the format internationally since March 2011.
Craig Kieswetter, Jonny Bairstow and Jos Buttler were preferred as options behind the stumps for the tournament that England will host from June 6-23.
England included four uncapped players – batsmen Gary Ballance and Varun Chopra and bowlers James Harris and Chris Wright – in an enlarged squad that must be trimmed to 15 names by May 5.
Star batsman Kevin Pietersen was called up even though he is currently sidelined with a knee injury.
“This is a balanced squad which will provide the selectors with strong options in all areas,” national selector Geoff Miller said. “With this country hosting the tournament for the first time since 2004, there will be every incentive for England to perform well and we anticipate intense competition for places in our final squad.”
Test specialists Nick Compton and Monty Panesar join Prior in missing out on a call-up, as England go in search of their first major 50-over title.
