Matt Prior hopes to follow the lead of Kevin Pietersen if and when he gets his chance as England's super-sub.

Sussex wicketkeeperbatsman Prior, 23, has been primed for the role of substitute as the only new call-up to the one-day squad for the NatWest Challenge with Australia.

The selectors have stuck with 14 of the men who featured in the NatWest Series triangular tournament, which England shared with the tourists following the tied final, with Prior's inclusion meaning Worcestershire fast bowler Kabir Ali misses out.

Like Pietersen, Prior was born in South Africa and exudes a similar self-assurance to his former England Academy colleague. Should he become England's inaugural replacement during the three-match campaign, Prior knows a performance similar to those Pietersen produced in the winter could earn him a permanent place in the side.

"KP gets a lot of stick for the way he behaves, but you cannot fault the guy for his inner belief," said Prior.

"International sport is not for people that lack confidence; I don't think I am quite that confident, he takes some beating but when you step up to international level, it is a huge step and you don't often get more than one opportunity."

Chairman of selectors David Graveney revealed Prior had been included for his threat as an impact player, increasing the likelihood of him being nominated as England's 12th man for the opening match at Headingley on Thursday.

"Since finding out, a million things have gone through my mind, like what the situation might be and how I will have to adapt," Prior said.

"The role means you will have to adapt and hopefully I will show I am the type of player that can.

"Performing under pressure is the biggest thing and I enjoy it, that is something I have proved with Sussex and England A.

"You cannot be put on a pedestal or make a name for yourself if you back off from the challenge."

Prior made his one-day international debut as an opener on the winter trip to Zimbabwe, scoring 35 in the final match of a 4-0 victory and edged out touted pair Ian Blackwell and Rikki Clarke for a potential quickfire dash at the Aussies.

Prior added: "I have always scored quickly, batted positively, aggressively and taken the bowlers on. I have found my own way of playing. I don't envisage trying to hit Brett Lee over cover but I like to set a tempo if I can."

Although Prior's aggression is well suited to exploit the wide open spaces outside the 30-yard inner ring should England want to gamble on another batsman during a match, his presence would not pressurise Geraint Jones, insisted Graveney.

"Matt Prior has been chosen as an impact player who is in good form," he said. "His inclusion will give [coach] Duncan Fletcher and [captain] Michael Vaughan more options for their choice as substitute."

As well as the introduction of replacements, the new International Cricket Council directives - to be trialled for ten months - allow ten floating overs of fielding restrictions, in five-over blocks, to be chosen by the fielding captain after an obligatory ten at the start of the innings.