Plunkett joins England’s eager freshmen as tourists seek revenge for Ashes hiding

Liam Plunkett insists England’s one-day specialists have no reason to be cowed by Australia’s Ashes success.

After a 4-0 series defeat, the tourists are hoping for a measure of revenge in the fivematch Gillette series.

While Joe Root, Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow and Chris Woakes head into tomorrow’s first one-day international in Melbourne bearing the bruises of the Test reverse, others are bringing a fresh dynamic.

Thursday’s warm-up win over a Cricket Australia XI showed Alex Hales (52) and captain Eoin Morgan (81no) in particularly eye-catching form, while Plunkett joined Mark Wood in delivering the kind of rapid seam bowling conspicuous by its absence at key times during the Ashes.

The Yorkshire paceman, right, took two wickets in his nine overs, including CA skipper Matt Renshaw with only his third delivery on tour, and he has no intention of taking a backward step at the MCG.

“Australia are a good team and they’re confident from the Ashes but it is a different squad and a different unit here,” he said. “A lot of our guys didn’t play in the Ashes, so we’re full of energy and full of beans. Some of the guys have been out here playing in the Big Bash, lads have been all over the world playing, so we’re full of confidence. “It’s a massive challenge against one of the best teams in the world. We’re looking forward to doing battle with them and trying to take this series. It’s always a test when you come to somebody else’s back yard. To get a win out here is pretty big.”

England had a day off training as they swapped Sydney for a rainy Melbourne but hope to have a full practice session at the MCG today.

Joe Root will be expected to take his place in England’s top order after shaking off the effects of viral gastroenteritis.

With Jonny Bairstow guaranteed an opening slot, former partners Jason Roy and Hales go head to head – Hales hoping for a first international outing since his involvement in a late night incident with Ben Stokes in September. Both men were suspended by England pending police investigations and, while Hales was cleared in December, Stokes is still waiting to hear if he will be charged.