13 lesser-known facts about Liam Plunkett

When Liam Plunkett entered the international scene, it appeared that a potential star has emerged from England. A right-arm seamer and handy lower-order batsman, Plunkett made a positive impression for England with his abilities. His debut series, where he shined with both bat and ball, was very impressive. But, unfortunately, soon he was unable to stand the test of international cricket and his stocks fell. Injuries also crept into his career and hampered his future in a great way. But, the fast bowler put every possible effort to stay in contention for the pace in the national squad and continues to remain a strong fast bowling option for his team

1.Birth:

Liam Edward Plunkett was born on April 6, 1985, Middlesbrough, Yorkshire

2. First class debut:

Plunkett started his career with county club Durham and played for the club’s academy during his younger years before making his debut for the senior side in 2003. He took 19 first-class wickets in his debut season

3. The golden season:

Liam Plunkett enjoyed his best first-class season in year 2005 where he was the Durham’s leading first-class wicket-taker.

4. Test debut:

Following an excellent county season in 2005, Plunkett was called up in the England squad for the tour of Pakistan to replace an injured Simon Jones. He made his Test debut in the 3rd Test at Lahore and took 2–125 in the match where England faced an innings defeat.

5. ODI debut:

In the same series, Plunkett made his ODI debut. The opportunity to debut came after Kevin Pietersen opted out in the 2nd innings of the 1st ODI due to back injury. He came in as a Super Sub and took an impressive 3/51 in his 9 overs spell.

6. T20 debut:

Plunkett made his international T20 debut on 15 June 2006 against Sri Lanka, taking 1–37 from four overs

7. Struggles with form:

In 2011 and 2012, Plunkett struggled with form and played just three Championship matches for Durham. Looking for a fresh start he to Yorkshire for the start of the 2013 season on a three-year deal. He was awarded his county cap in 2013.

8. Re-emergence:

At Yorkshire, Plunkett worked under coach and former Australia fast bowler Jason Gillespie and soon his fortunes changed. The following year, Plunkett was recalled to the England Test team in 2014. Since then he has remained in the fray for a place in the team.

9. A handy batsman:

Plunkett has good batting skills for a specialist fast bowler. He has two first-class centuries to his name and a batting average of about 24.

10. World record stands:

Plunkett’s batting ability makes him a worthy tail-ender. He holds the record for 8th and 9th wicket partnership records for England in ODIs.

11. Part of history:

Plunkett was the part of the Durham side which won the County Championship in 2008. This was for the first time in club’s history. He averaged 32.50 with the ball and 27.28 with the bat.

12. Problems with law:

In February 2007, Plunkett was banned from driving for twenty months, after being convicted for drunk driving offence in October 2006. In August 2012, he was convicted of a second drink driving offence and banned from driving for 40 months

13. Notable performance:

He has only one five-wicket haul in his career. His 5/64 against Sri Lanka at Headingley Stadium, Leeds was the only time when he registered a five-for in his international career.