Liam Plunkett looks ahead to the India series and back at the Sri Lanka rubber
Liam Plunkett is feeling at home in the England set-up as he prepares for the prospect of facing India in the Investec Test Series, which starts on Wednesday at Trent Bridge.
The fast bowler, 29, returned to the Test team after a seven-year absence for the two matches with Sri Lanka last month.
He was unfortunate to take just two wickets at Lord’s but made up for that at Headingley, his home ground, with nine scalps, including international-best figures of 5-64 in the first innings thanks to some lethal short bowling.
Although Sri Lanka prevailed at the end of a thrilling series, Plunkett was pleased to make a positive return to the international game.
Speaking exclusively to ecb.co.uk, he said:“It was nice to prove to people I could perform at Test level and take some valuable wickets.
“It’s given me some confidence and (taken) a bit of pressure off and hopefully I can just continue now and enjoy the cricket that’s ahead.”
Plunkett, who is in his second season at Yorkshire after moving from Durham, puts his return to the England side down to growing up.
Having been overlooked for the Test team for so long, he was yesterday included in his third straight squad.
“I think I’ve just grown and matured a lot as a player,” he explained.
“I think when you’re younger maybe things come natural and you take things for granted.
“I’ve learnt a lot the last four, five years. I’ve taken that on board and I just feel I’m more consistent as a cricketer and at this moment in time I just want the ball in my hand, bat in my hand, (I'm) just enjoy(ing) the game again.”