Prior - England are down but not out - Sport in brief

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On the ground where Sir Ian Botham spearheaded one of the most famous turnarounds in cricket history 28 years ago, England face a similarly dismal situation to back then after being dismissed for 102 on the opening day and then allowing Australia to power into a 94-run lead after reaching 196 for four at stumps.

But wicketkeeper Matt Prior, who top-scored with 37 not out, said: "We can get out of this. It wasn't a good day, absolutely, and we're behind the eight ball but this game turns around so quickly."

He added: "There's still enough in this wicket, it's still moving around and it's still swinging and we have four days to come back, which is good for us.

"I believe we've got the bowlers in the dressing room that can certainly do that and turn this game around. When we get our chance to bat again there are going to be some very determined players and some very determined batsmen."

England's desperate batting display, which ensured they recorded their lowest total at Headingley since being dismissed for 87 by Australia in 1909, followed a disrupted build-up, including being evacuated from their hotel after a fire alarm and all-rounder Andrew Flintoff being ruled out with his persistent knee problems.

But Prior, who was almost ruled out with a back spasm before the start, claimed England had no excuses for their dismal batting display - no matter what the distractions in the run-up to the match.

"There were a number of things that you could say were distracting but that's no excuse," he said. "We've all played enough cricket and we're all big enough and experienced enough to be able to adapt to things, put things behind us and get on with the job."