Davies called up as Prior cover

Birmingham: England have called Surrey wicketkeeper Steven Davies into their squad for the third Test against the West Indies here at Edgbaston as cover for first choice gloveman Matt Prior. Sussex stumper Prior is suffering from an eye infection and an England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) statement Wednesday said: "Surrey wicketkeeper Steve Davies called into Test squad as cover for Matt Prior who has an eye infection. Davies will be released tomorrow [Thursday] a.m. if not required."

Davies, 25, has yet to make his Test debut but has played eight one-day internationals and five Twenty20 matches for England. He is currently appearing for Surrey in their ongoing County Championship match against Sussex at Horsham and will return to that fixture if England ultimately decide to do without him in Birmingham.

England had a second wicketkeeper in their original 12-man squad in Yorkshire's Jonathan Bairstow. But in his two Test appearances, both in this series, Bairstow, the son of former England keeper David, has played as a batsman only. The 30-year-old Prior, capped 54 times, has been a key figure in England's rise to the top of the world Test rankings.

First choice gloveman Prior is suffering from an eye infection.

Prior has been an ever-present for England's last 39 Tests since missing a match against the West Indies at Barbados in March 2009 to attend the birth of his son. England already have an unbeatable 2-0 lead in this three-match series against the West Indies.

(For updates you can share with your friends, follow IBNLive on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Pinterest)