Mumbai: Liam Plunkett – who replaced Steven Finn in the England squad for the ICC World Twenty20 – is not a surprise inclusion at all. The 30-year-old carries an experience of bowling to Indian stalwarts.
Plunkett, who toured India with England in 2006, recalled the fond memories and said why the Men in Blue are dangerous in the shortest format.
I have played a lot of cricket here with the A team as well. In 2006, I have bowled to Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid. We travelled across India that season, played on different pitches. I have learnt to play here since I was young,” said Plunkett who doesn’t mind playing in the IPL.
“The Indian team has been good with T20 cricket. They play the IPL too,” he added.
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When asking about England players’ participation in the cash-rich league, he said:
I like the money of IPL. It has been around for many years now. When I am home in winter, it is always good to watch it on television. The biggest players in the world play there, one would definitely want to play IPL if allowed,” said Plunkett, who believes that a player’s adaptability to conditions is the key to success.
Virat Kohli can score a hundred in Perth as well as here, a good player can adapt to any conditions. Bowling in the sub-continent, one needs skills as well pace.
“People love watching sixes and fours, so if the wicket is flat and I end up claiming three wickets to change the momentum of the game, it is good. The wicket will also help my team bat,” he added.
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Is replacing the in-form Finn an added pressure? “No, not at all. I felt I had a good chance. I have been bowling well for England and Yorkshire. I am looking to bowl as fast as I can and help the team win some games,” said Plunkett.
Plunkett ducked the question on Kevin Pietersen’s chances in the England squad for the mega event.
“I have not played against him much. No doubt he is a great player. But look at our side, we have a great team,” he said.
