The last of liam plunkett’s 13 test appearances came nearly three years ago, yet don’t be surprised if the yorkshire fast bowler is back in england’s squad in time for next winter’s ashes tour of Australia.
Plunkett, 31, has enjoyed a renaissance in international white-ball cricket since his last Test against India at Lord’s in July 2014, and will be an integral part of England’s plans during this summer’s Champions Trophy.
Whether or not appearances in that tournament can catapult Plunkett back into Test recognition is debatable. What is likely to be of more value is his form in four-day cricket between now and the end of the summer.
Plunkett’s red-ball season will start with an appearance for MCC in the Champion County game against Middlesex in Abu Dhabi starting on Sunday.
Conditions in the UAE will be markedly different from what will await England at home this summer and in Australia in the winter.
An early statement can be made, though, ahead of a huge year in Test cricket for England.
“I got asked to play for the MCC, and I snapped their hand off,” said Plunkett. “If you go out there and perform, you never know. If you start the season really well – with injuries [to other players] and stuff, if you hit form with red-ball cricket, if you take some five-fors early on and put some pressure on, then there may be a chance [of a Test recall].
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