Matt Prior has hinted he may ditch the wicketkeeper gloves to extend his career.

The Sussex star told The Argus last week that he was uncertain whether he would be able to play again due to a serious Achilles injury which required surgery in September.

Now the 32-year-old has raised the prospect of carrying on as a specialist batsman if the demands of keeping wicket prove too much.

Prior, above, certainly has the ability to prosper without the gloves as he boasts an average over 40 in Test matches and has 28 first class centuries to his name.

The former Brighton College pupil said: “I don’t want to come back half the player I was. If I can do myself justice and play to 100% of my capabilities then I’m in.

“If I lose that yard that allows me to perform at the level I can perform at then I will only get frustrated with myself. I’d have to look at it if I didn’t get back to my old standards but, fingers crossed, hopefully that’s not the case.

“The other option is playing only as a batsman, which is going through my mind, too, because I’m pretty certain I can get back to my level just batting. We will see.

“The physicality of keeping is very demanding, particularly if you want to embrace that engine room mentality of leading the guys on the field. It’s hard work and physically demanding but that’s what a keeper has to do. That’s your role.”