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].
Bu hikaye The Cricket Paper dergisinin March 24,2017 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye The Cricket Paper dergisinin March 24,2017 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Kohli leads RCB to much-needed win
VIRAT KOHLI returned to top form with 72 not out to lead RCB to an eight-wicket victory over the Royals in Abu Dhabi.
TEWATIA HAS SPARKED MY LOVE AFFAIR WITH THE IPL
James Wallace admits he has been surprisingly taken in by the IPL so far – and, in particular, the performance of a new Royal renegade
Whitewash victory is just the T20 tonic for Keightley
A SERIES that few thought would come to fruition ended in triumph for England who completed a 5-0 whitewash of the West Indies in Derby.
TEN OUT OF TEN! RYAN IS BASKING IN MORE GLORY
Chris Stocks catches up with Ryan ten Doeschate, who has plotted Essex’s recent county domination every step of the way
Surrey have the Will to end hoodoo
WILL Jacks may be a hot batting prospect but he’s relished the added responsibility with the ball in Surrey’s charge to T20 Finals Day.
NOW IT'S OUR TIME TO HELP OTHERS
Chris Stocks catches up with England’s director of cricket and discusses the need for the ECB to help boards around the world
IT'S OFTEN DOWN TO A THROW OF THE DICE
Garfield Robinson explains just how big a part luck plays in determining success or failure in sport
FINDING TALENTS LIKE TOM IS A GAIN IN ITSELF
One of the unexpected highlights to emerge from English cricket’s Covid-attenuated season was the chance given to young players to strut their stuff. With many overseas players and Kolpaks affected by travel restrictions many counties looked instead to the young talent on their staffs with gratifying results.
Future looks bright for the Ohio Slinger
ALI Khan is earning his stars and stripes in the Indian Premier League, with the first American to play in the tournament breaking down barriers in every sense.
Spin trio put squeeze on after Glenn shows off skill with the bat
SARAH GLENN helped England spin it to win it after proving she can make an all-round contribution.
