Davies, 24, featured in England's squad for the ongoing
seven one-day internationals against Australia but failed to book a place for
cricket's showpiece event.
The 28-year old Prior, who last played an ODI for England
against Bangladesh in March 2010, will join the England squad ahead of Friday's
second ODI against Australia in Hobart.
"Despite some strong performances both with the bat
and behind the stumps by Steven Davies we feel that Matt's game will be better
suited to the conditions in Bangladesh and India, the venues staging England's group
matches," England national selector Geoff Miller said in a statement. An
out-of-form Paul Collingwood, who was dropped for Sunday's first ODI at the
Melbourne Cricket Ground, found a place as did injured fast bowler Stuart
Broad.
"Paul Collingwood may not have scored as many runs
as he would have liked so far on the tour of Australia but he has been a
consistently strong performer for England in limited overs cricket for a long
period of time," Miller said.
"His experience, ODI knowledge and skills across all
three facets of the game make him a valuable member of the squad and he'll be
looking to make a big impact at another global event."
James Anderson will spearhead the pace attack with
support from Broad, Tim Bresnan and Ajmal Shahzad while Graeme Swann will lead
Michael Yardy and James Tredwell in the spin bowling department.
"With spin bowlers set to play a prominent role in
this World Cup, we feel we have quality and depth in Graeme Swann, Michael
Yardy and James Tredwell who have all shown their capabilities at international
level," Miller said.
Andrew Strauss (captain), James Anderson, Ian
Bell,Tim Bresnan, Stuart Broad, Paul Collingwood, Eoin Morgan, KevinPietersen,
Matt Prior, Ajmal Shahzad, Graeme Swann, JamesTredwell, Jonathan Trott, Luke
Wright, Michael Yardy.
