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{ NAGPUR: Whether it's about adjusting to low bounce and turn of the sub-continent pitches, or standing up to the pacers or England's overall preparation, Matt Prior is sure that all the bases have been touched.

He is also confident that his demotion in the batting order too will pay rich dividends. If the talks do translate into an equally assured performance over the next half month, then England surely have an ace up their sleeves.

Prior doesn't agree to the fact that his poor form played a part in pushing him down the batting order. Instead, the wicketkeeper said the move as positive for both him and Kevin Pietersen, who has taken up the openers' slot. "It's a positive move for both of us. KP opening the batting is a positive move. I think these wickets will suit him. If he gets up and running, I think he can single-handedly take the game away from the opposition.

"From my point of view also I think it's also a very positive step. I enjoy playing spin and also enjoy playing those middle overs and that's the role and responsibility I have been given. It certainly wasn't the case of me being not good enough to open the batting," Prior said on Sunday, ahead of their opening match against the Netherlands.

Prior is aware that the role of a finisher, played to perfection by Eoin Morgan whose injury has forced him out of the squad, is not an easy one to emulate.

"I have told the guys that role scares me a little bit. There is a lot of responsibility on the finisher. I don't think anyone can replace Eoin Morgan. It's pretty huge boots to fill. But I will certainly give it a go."

Prior played a vital role in England's historic high in the Ashes. But the Australians came back strongly in the One-day series. It saw Prior failing in his role as an opener. But for the English, the Australia series is history. "World Cup is about peaking at the right time. This is a completely new competition and it will be silly to look back at the series Down Under," Prior said.

On the Powerplay: The opening game of the World Cup saw India taking the batting Powerplay when the ball was changed in the 34th over. In the past, most teams made the choice based on the match-form of batsmen at the crease. Prior thinks more such strategies will be thrown up during the tournament.

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