Cook says Prior still England's first choice Test keeper

London, Apr.2 (ANI): England vice-captain Alastair Cook has said Matt Prior is the first choice Test keeper for the side for this summer and for the Ashes tour next winter despite being dropped for the upcoming World Twenty20 squad.

"Matt has done an amazing job with the gloves over the last 18 months," said Cook.

"Craig (Kieswetter) was very impressive when he came into the team in Bangladesh - he's got a huge future for England - but it's going to take a huge amount of effort and pressure to knock Matt out of the Test team," the Daily Express quoted Cook, as saying.

There are few concerns about Kieswetter's work with the bat, but his wicket-keeping technique - described in some quarters as no more than adequate at present - is going to come under rigorous scrutiny during the World Twenty20 in the Caribbean.

Cook also insisted Pietersen's inclusion was a no-brainer for the selectors.

He said: "KP's record in all forms of the game speaks for itself and although he had a tricky six months [with England] coupled with that injury [his Achilles tendon], form is temporary and class is permanent."

Cook's omission from the Twenty20 squad was less of a shock. Yet he believes he has made great strides in the format and can trouble the selectors soon.

"I've worked really hard on it over the last 12 months, scoring hundreds for Essex, and I'm trying to get better," he said. (ANI)