England should recall Matt Prior, says Australia's Michael Clarke

England should bring Matt Prior back into the team for the fifth Test, says Australia captain Michael Clarke.

The wicketkeeper, 31, was dropped for the fourth Test after England lost the urn in the previous match in Perth.

"It's probably not my place to say that - but if I was in England's shoes, I would certainly be getting Matty Prior back into my team ASAP," said Clarke.

"The one player I think England missed last game was Matt Prior - and more so for his leadership and experience."

The Sussex star was replaced by Yorkshire's Jonny Bairstow for the fourth Test after having averaged 17.83 runs and twice missed stumping chances offered by David Warner in the third Test.

However, 24-year-old Bairstow scored only 31 runs in the match that Australia won by eight wickets.

"That's certainly not having a crack at Bairstow - he's a wonderful talent and has a huge future for England," added Clarke, whose side lead the five-Test series 4-0.

"But I think when you're not performing as well as you would like as a team; that senior player, that tough-nosed senior player helps the group a lot."

England skipper Alastair Cook responded to Clarke's suggestion by stating Prior would have to rediscover his best form to win back his place in the team.

"We know what a good player Matt has been over 75 Tests. He's had a lean year and he's the first to hold his hand up about that," the 29-year-old said.

"He's nowhere near the end of his career. He's got to go back and prove that he's the best wicketkeeper-batsman in the country if he wants his place back."

The fifth and final Test begins at 2330 GMT on Thursday 2 January.