Plunkett ready for a Test return after his starring role

LIAM PLUNKETT has set his sights on regaining his Test place after starring in England’s 3-0 one-day win over West Indies.

Plunkett (below) was the leading wickettaker in the series, claiming 10 victims at an average of 9.90 and making a compelling case for inclusion in England’s starting line-up for June’s Champions Trophy.

He was fast, accurate and hostile — and, as has often been the case, was almost entirely unsung.

Now he wants to resurrect a Test career that stalled in 2014, when — after an absence of seven years — he played in four home games, taking nine wickets during the defeat by Sri Lanka at Headingley.

‘I thought I did well last time I was in the Tests,’ he said. ‘But injuries took me out and I didn’t get back in. I still want to play Test cricket. I’m 31 and feel I’m at my best. If you hit form in red-ball cricket, take some five-fors early on and put some pressure on, with injuries you’re back in the squad.’

Plunkett’s Test experience has taught him one lesson: lose your place and someone else will do their damnedest to make sure it stays that way. It explains why he played in Barbados on Thursday despite a stomach complaint. The decision paid off. Had Alex Hales not fluffed a straightforward run-out chance to finish off West Indies for 119, Plunkett would have finished with three for nine. Instead, he settled for three for 27, but he had made his point.

‘I was a bit rough before the game but I didn’t want to give it up,’ he said. ‘If someone comes in and does well, that’s my place gone.’