International
Plunkett aims for Test return
The demanding, hostile environment of Test cricket is the lion's den of sport, a place that often gets the better of the most hardened, experienced professionals.
International cricket is a place where there is nowhere to hide. Liam Plunkett, a player Allan Donald once described as the next Glenn McGrath, was thrust into the England limelight in Lahore aged 20, against an Indian side renowned for grinding out results in the dusty heat.
Plunkett's time had come. Yet 18 months on, and nine Tests and 27 one-day internationals later, the Durham all-rounder has become England's forgotten man, despite being only 23.
He is out of the limelight and away from the big time. He is, however, focused on where he wants to be, and that is making a return to the Test arena.
"I am out of the picture at the moment, and it has been hard seeing the lads on television, representing England,'' he confessed. "I've got to work to get back in, which I am determined to do. I want that feeling again. I am still young, very young in cricketing terms but I have some decent experience behind me.''
Plunkett's passion for the game is refreshing, amidst the politics and troubles surrounding cricket.
It appears that no amount of money from quarters such as the Indian Premier League would divert Plunkett's attention away from turning out for his country.
His relaxed persona takes a break when his England future is discussed, and he highlights that selection is all about performances on the pitch, nothing else.
"I know what I can do,'' he added. "I will do my talking on the pitch, that's the only place where you can get picked and get talked about.
"I just keep my head down, and hopefully let my runs and wickets do the talking. That's how I got picked for England in the first place and that is how I will get picked again.''
Faced with a North-East winter and no England tour to look forward to, Plunkett elected for a stint in State cricket in South Africa, with Nashua Dolphins where he worked alongside the great Shaun Pollock.
The former South African captain was renowned for his control, and accuracy with the ball, as well as his ability as a stroke player down the order, a position Plunkett was earmarked for with England under Duncan Fletcher.
Although life in the southern hemisphere was hard graft, the Middlesbrough-born star was more than happy to roll his sleeves up and get stuck in.
"The time I spent with the Dolphins was fantastic,'' he admitted. "It is really, really tough cricket down there. I loved it. It was great to play alongside Shaun, he is the ultimate professional.
"He helped me with my game, but he also taught me about being a great sportsman. It was also nice to wake up to the sound of monkeys on my roof, which you don't get in Nunthorpe!"
The elevation to international sportsman brought Plunkett star status, and transformed his lifestyle. From his parents' house in a Middlesbrough suburb, to first-class residence of the England hotel alongside the likes of Freddie Flintoff and Michael Vaughan, is an experience that will not diminish.
Plunkett was exposed to the profile the game has enjoyed in recent years following Ashes glory in 2005.
But he has also experienced the pitfalls that come with being at the top and understands that high profile sportsmen are always under the spotlight.
"Playing for England at Lord's and against the best teams all over the world is surreal. It's the ultimate thing for a cricketer. I have learned that sometimes, as a professional, you have to be careful.
"I have had a couple of mishaps along the way, but I have put all that behind me now, and I am focused on doing the business on the cricket field," he added.
"I can't wait to get out there. It is all about taking wickets and scoring runs, and I am dying to get going with Durham. I just want to concentrate with them, and if I do well, everything else will take care of itself.'
2:02am Monday 31st March 2008
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