Liam Plunkett admits being nervous due to Jofra Archer’s selection for 2019 World Cup: England fast bowler opened up on being doubtful.
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England fast bowler Liam Plunkett has admitted being nervous and doubtful ahead of England’s 2019 World Cup squad selection. Much like fellow English fast bowlers, Plunkett also faced the prospect of getting dropped to accommodate Jofra Archer.
Liam Plunkett admits being nervous
Fortunately for him, Plunkett found his name in the squad as the English selectors decided to exclude left-arm fast bowler David Willey.
“You always have that slight doubt in your mind. Are they going to go down this route, that route? I feel like I deserve to be in the squad but you just don’t know what they’re thinking,” Plunkett was quoted as saying at the launch of England’s World Cup kit.
ALSO READ: David Willey reacts after being omitted from 2019 World Cup squad
Being asked about constantly getting compared to his teammates-cum- competitors, Plunkett said, “You get compared a lot. I’ve been through a lot since the World Cup in 2007 and whatever squad you’re in, there’s always someone chasing your tail. Whoever is in the county circuit. You’re always getting compared to someone.”
On bowling in the middle overs
Having made his ODI debut in 2005, Plunkett was recalled into the team in 2015 after a four-year hiatus. Since then, the 34-year old cricketer has dismissed 85 batsmen in 53 matches at an average of 28.43, an economy rate of 5.93 and a strike rate of 28.6. The right-arm fast bowler predominantly takes charge of both restricting and dismissing opposition batsmen in the middle overs.
“That’s what I’ve done well, I’ve been successful at [bowling in the middle overs]. And I don’t think they’d [team management] want me to do anything different. You’re always working on your game. I’ve worked a lot on my death bowling, you try and improve,” Plunkett added on bowling in the middle and death overs.
JUST IN: The ICC has confirmed that the match officials are comfortable there was no attempt by Liam Plunkett to change the condition of the ball or any evidence of this on the over-by-over examinations of the ball throughout Saurday’s ODI clash in Southampton. pic.twitter.com/0gzwHq9s4h
— ICC (@ICC) May 12, 2019
Plunkett reflects on evolution of ODI cricket
In his 14-year old international career, Plunkett has seen a widespread change in the ODI format. The Englishman also disclosed how his thought-process has changed over the years. “When you were younger, I remember bowling nine overs for 50 and feeling devastated like it was the worst day of my life. It’s changed a lot now.”
“If you’re picking up two or three for 50, I’d snap someone’s hand off in that middle part because you can break the game up, get two or three of their main batsmen out. It’s a tricky period to bowl and get wickets,” Plunkett mentioned.
