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Finn backs Bairstow with gloves

Steven Finn is adamant Jonny Bairstow can provide adequate backup for Matt Prior if England's wicketkeeper is ruled out of the first Test with a calf complaint.

Prior is under pressure to be fit in time for the start of the first Test in Brisbane on November 21 and Bairstow's Test credentials behind the stumps are under question.

Prior was a revelation in England's 3-1 Ashes triumph in Australia over the 2010/11 season, scoring 252 runs at 50.40 including a hundred.

And while he could not replicate those feats earlier this year in England, managing only 133 runs at 19 over the five Tests, his possible exclusion could leave a large hole in the visitors' lineup.

Bairstow will get the chance to get himself in the groove in the four-day fixture against the Cricket Australia Invitation XI beginning at the SCG on Wednesday.

It's England's last match before the opening Gabba Test, and right-arm seamer Finn says the veteran of 12 Tests is more than capable with the gloves.

"I don't think he will have his work cut out," Finn said.

"We are still very hopeful that Matt will be fit for the first Test match, but if he isn't, Jonny has a great opportunity in this game to put his hand up.

"He is on the tour as a reserve wicketkeeper for a reason and that is because he is very good at it.

"We saw him bat at number six, and we saw glimpses in the summer that he is an excellent Test match batsman.

"We know he is a highly skilled performer and these next few days are going to be a great opportunity for him to show that he is a very good backup for Matt Prior."