Matt Prior rejects suggestions he can be ranked among the great England Test wicketkeeper-batsmen after a typically thunderous innings swung the second Test against New Zealand.

Prior thumped 82 off 99 balls to keep the tourists in command on day two at Wellington’s Basin Reserve on Friday. Their 465 casts a long shadow over New Zealand, who are 3-66 in response.

The 31-year-old Sussex gloveman has made a regular habit of lower-innings cameos at No.7 since his debut in 2007, whether at the heart of an English fightback or adding fast runs as required.

“I try and read the situation as best I can and then adapt my game and that’s all that is important to me, making sure the team is in the right position at the end of the day.”

His average of 43.2 from 94 innings, which includes six centuries and 25 half-centuries has drawn comparison with two other English ‘keeping greats – Alan Knott and Alec Stewart.

Both had Test careers spanning 13 years and were respected for their glovework but neither could boast a batting average above 40.

Yet Prior said he didn’t deserve to be rated in the same category.

“As far as I’m concerned, those guys are legends of the game and I have a long way to go to class myself alongside them.

“Fingers crossed, maybe one day I can say ‘yeah, I had a good influence on the team’ but, right now, I’m just taking each game as it comes and performing as best as I can.”

Despite his brilliant batting, Prior has failed to win selection in England’s limited-overs squads for the past two years.

He reiterated he wants to play those forms but, until selected, was committed to focusing on Test cricket only.