BASSETERRE, St Kitts, CMC – Fast bowler Liam Plunkett has been plucked from the England Lions squad preparing for the Regional First Class Championship, and summoned to Australia as cover for the injured duo of Chris Tremlett and Ajmal Shahzad.
The 25-year-old played in the first two-day warm-up game against St Kitts and Nevis here last weekend, as the Lions squad finalised their preparations for their clash against Leeward Islands starting Friday at Warner Park.
With England’s senior side reeling from injuries to Tremlett (side strain( and Shazad (hamstring) in the ongoing One-Day International series, selectors have summoned Plunkett to Australia in case neither player is able to play.
“Liam Plunkett has been part of the England Performance Programme and England Lions squad this winter so we are confident that he will be ready to play a role for England should the need arise,” said England coach Andy Flower.
“We are waiting for an update on the injuries to Ajmal Shahzad and Chris Tremlett but with our preparations for the World Cup starting in less than a fortnight we need to prioritise getting our World Cup squad members fit and ready for the start of the tournament.”
Plunkett will miss tomorrow’s sixth ODI in Sydney but is expected to arrive in Australia in time for the seventh ODI in Perth.
He has played just nine Tests and 28 ODIs since making his international debut five years ago.
