In-form Liam Plunkett returns to his native North-east laughing off the idea of being England’s tournament talisman. The absence of the popular pace bowler has been a common factor in all three losses for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup hosts, while he has featured in four of their five successes.
He claimed three wickets in the crucial 31-run win against India on Sunday, responding to his latest recall with the wickets of Virat Kohli, century-maker Rohit Sharma and Rishabh Pant.
And with victory over New Zealand at The Riverside today set to guarantee England a semi-final spot, Plunkett will expect to retain his place for what is another critical encounter.
Is it simply a case of he plays and England win? “It is nice to have that,” Plunkett joked. “Actually, I think it’s just the way things have worked out, but it is nice to play and to play a part in a winning team.
“The India game was like a final for us so the pressure was on. Nobody was there in our dressing room celebrating afterwards because we know we need to win again and get the momentum going. New Zealand will be like another final.
“I don’t think we were more nervous than usual. The best thing about us is the way we approach our cricket. We don’t go into our shells. If we did, we would go off into the distance.
“We are told to play positively, express ourselves and if we perform anywhere near our best, we will win games. New Zealand are a good team, right up there, but I think we are ready for it and we can be positive having just beaten one of the best teams in the competition.”
Captain Eoin Morgan recognised Plunkett’s ability to take wickets after the new ball bursts with pace and variations, when he plotted England’s way back from the disappointment of 2015. “I am disappointed when I’m not playing, but it isn’t about personal figures,” Plunkett said. “It is all about team results and asking whether I can keep improving even at 34.
“I don’t think anyone sulks when they are not playing. People will know a player left out is frustrated, but you can’t show it. It will be great now to get back up to the north. I love that part of the country and I know the ground.”
Courtesy-© ICC Business Corporation FZ LLC 2019