Making my blog debut
You’re probably wondering why I’m writing this blog instead of being in India with England for the .
Well the reason is, I wasn't picked for the squad as I was recovering from a side strain.
But I'm in the Ashes squad and I've got some exclusive news...
I can reveal I've passed a fitness test on my injured side and I'm 100% fit and raring to go to Australia for what should be .
I was at Heathrow last week as the whole England squad assembled for a pre-winter get-together.
I enjoyed seeing everyone again but then it was a bit disappointing when I had to leave to fly back to Teesside as the Champions Trophy players were jetting off to the much warmer climes of India!
But I totally understand England’s reasoning that they don't want to rush me back too quickly from injury.
I'll be watching the Champions Trophy and I’m sure there will be a few text messages flying around between me and the players.
I feel the fittest and strongest I've ever been in my playing career - one good thing about getting injured is you appreciate that.
I've worked really hard on my fitness and it's paying off.
I did a stint of 22 days where I jogged seven miles every night to improve my .
I love swimming too - I can comfortably complete 100 lengths of a 25-metre pool.
Every Monday I drive down from my home near Middlesbrough to spend two days at the .
It's normally really busy on the motorway and it can take me three hours to get there but I pass the time by listening to R&B in the car.
For the last few weeks I’ve been there with fellow crocks Simon Jones, Ashley Giles and occasionally Michael Vaughan.
Gilo’s now fit and has headed to India and Simon is working incredibly hard on getting back to full fitness.
Now I’ve been joined by the Ashes players who aren’t at the Champions Trophy, namely Matthew Hoggard, Marcus Trescothick, Monty Panesar and Alastair Cook.
There is a great camaraderie among us and we tend to socialise on Monday evenings after a hard day’s work.
We do more exercises on Tuesdays - including spinning.
But before you wonder if I’m changing my bowling style from being a fast bowler, I’m most certainly not!
and it gives me a really good cardio-vascular workout.
Every day I'm doing some sort of exercise whether it’s at Loughborough or back at Durham but I do get some leisure time too.
I’ve managed to go on two holidays with my girlfriend Lisa in the last couple of months, to Portugal and Cyprus.
I’ve been to see a couple of games of football too. I go and see Middlesbrough play because they are my hometown team. But and watch them whenever they are playing in the north-east.
Blame my dad for this because he supports Arsenal and it sort of rubbed off on me!
I’m also in the process of buying my own house – it is a new-build just outside Middlesbrough and is not quite ready yet so I’m still living with my parents Alan and Marie.
It will be the first home I’ve owned and I’m really excited about it. I want loads of boy-toys and gadgets. I don’t think Lisa would like that too much but I’m sure I’ll sneak a few in!
* Liam will be writing regularly on this blog, and reading your comments, as we countdown to the 2006 Ashes. The 21-year-old made his England debut against Pakistan in the third Test in Lahore in November 2005 and has played in six Tests and 16 one-day internationals.
Hey mate, im ezzy's friend from malaysia who played for pembroke at adelaide. Been following your progress since we met at uni and its great to see you in the ashes squad. I was quite dissapointed when you got injured but looks like you are going to be fit and taking wickets. The blog is great and i will be reading it regularly. Looking forward to seeing you at adelaide. Will inform hazy bout this blog. Take care and good luck!
Complain about this postCome On Boy.
Complain about this postPlease Please give the Aussies a pasting they will never forget.
All us Indians will love nothing more than that.
looking forward to know what happens in the england camp. i think you will do very well in the ashes
Complain about this postHi Liam!
Complain about this postGlad you're back to full strength, hopefully this enforced break will be good for you in the long run, it seems that you have been playing constantly for the last 2 years or so and sometimes the body needs a break from doing the same thing over and over!
Don't forget, if you ever need a workout and the weather's too bad for a run, you're always welcome up here at Omega.
All the best bud, I hope everything goes well with the house and the ashes.
Ian
Yeah, make sure you get into the Ashes team - I want all the Durham lads out there on the pitch when I watch you in Adelaide!
It's one of the main reasons why I chose to study here for a year ;)
Complain about this postHey Liam, good luck with the training and i look forward to reading some "inside" goossip when you get out to Australia.
Complain about this postNice one mate, good luck for the Ashes. Make sure we win it, eh!
Complain about this postPlunkett, it appears ironic that despite so many exercises, few England players last a season or more bar injury. It's a shame and a sham if you ask me. Seriously... it appears you guys play lots more matches than other teams OR something's wrong with your regimen.
Watching you on the Indian tour, it appeared you lose your nerve when batsmen start targetting you. Will such a temperament be suitable for the Ashes? Fletcher should know, I reckon.
PS: Players writing syndicated articles for the Beeb have generally lost their careers... Gough, Anderson, Stewart, Read etc. I'd be careful if I were you!
Complain about this posthey
Complain about this posti really really like you love to see you again i am really happy after reading this blog and can u tell me more about i want to know about u and i really miss you in english team hopeing for your fast comeback goodluck and when you are getting married tell me love you byeeee
aleena from pakistan
I remember watching you at Edgbaston this year. Looking for a second consecutive maiden opening your spell, the batsman got a lucky legbye off the last ball of the over. The look on your face told me how much that pissed you off, and that's the kind of total commitment you'll need down under.
I think both you and Saj have the ingredients, you both (and Harmy for that matter) need to work on the kind of consistency Hoggy and Monty have.
Oh, and get some decent music...
Complain about this postLiam
Just wondered what a fitness test involves. i.e. akin to a football fitness test, or slightly different because it is geared towards Cricket
many thx
Paul
P.s. Retention of the Ashes has to be done!!
Sadly could not get any Tickets for the 5th Test at the SCG (relatives live in Sydney), so will be in the UK watching on Sky Sports I guess :-(
Complain about this postGood luck from all at Middlesbrough CC for the Ashes. And when our professional Alex Roberts goes out to visit you in Melbourne, make sure he behaves himself!
DannyE
Complain about this postLiam, your taste in music is dreadful and hopefully you can fill in for simon jones and help retain the ashes for england
Complain about this postHope you get fit and are rearing to go but if all goes well jimmy anderson will be playing against the aussies ( no offence ), but i do think you could be a great bowler in the next five years especially in ODI's.
Complain about this postENGLANDS CHANCE OF RETAINING THE ASHES -
ZERO!
The only reason you won was because the whole nation got behind the cricket team sensing the momentous occasion that was taking place and even then you still only managed to pip Australia in some of the most entertaining tests in history.
This time around will be a completely different set of circumstances and will TRULY test whether this is really one of the greatest England teams of all time.
Judging Englands' performance on the trip to India and Pakistan after The Ashes and the home series to Sri Lanka, I TRULY doubt that this is one of the greatest England teams ever. Prove me wrong?
Complain about this postLiam, the only downside to your splendid rise into the england team, which I predicted about 18 months back, is that you are now going to be way too expensive to be in my fantasy team next domestic season. Needless to say, we shall be very sorry to let you go.
Seriously, best of luck and I've no doubt you'll be taking some part in the Ashes, and an integral part in the VB series and world cup. Make sure we win all three, and I've £10 on your making a test 50 this winter too.
PS: I've also put £5 on Steve Harmison doing the same, as I did for the 2004 winter tour to South Africa. He got to 42 at Capetown before playing a wretched shot.
Complain about this postGood to see your bowling again!!!
Good look over in Oz, i'll be there supporting you and the team!! Time to beat them away from home!!!
Complain about this postLiking the blog Liam hope you get back to full fitness and give those aussies a good pasting. Oh Yeah tell Glenn McGrath he is plonker
Complain about this postI find your style to seem very mechanical looking. Do you find it easier of harder to get swing and seam with an action like that? Is it harmful to your body? Do you feel pressured into making a score as everyone says thats partly the reason your in the team- cos you can bat a bit too!
Complain about this postJamie
Hi Liam,
I think you're a really good fast bowler and are a bright prospect for English Cricket. I was very upset when you were injured but im glad you're back to full fitness. Hope you give the Aussies the thrashing they deserve and help England retain the Ashes. I wish you the best of luck.
Mariam
P.S. i don't know if you remember but me and my friends Payoj and Gilly sent you a birthday card and you replied sending us your autograph back. I just wanted to point out that i'm one of them. I hope you liked the card.
Complain about this postorite mate, im from the boro well nunthorpe actually and go to your old school, as it goes i also play cricket with your uncle billy and a few of your cousins, that my sort of claim to fame really but lets just say your slightly better. i hope you have a fantastic ashes tour mate and knock them stumps down! cheers
Complain about this postLiam,
Complain about this postGood luck against the Aussies this winter I hope you have a very successful time. I am glad to see that both you and jimmy anderson are in the ashes squad as I feel you two could form part of a dynamic bowling attack in a few years time.
Paul
No one cares how you spend your days, bowl well bat well, and shut up... (your e-mail excerpts attached below:).
Every day I'm doing some sort of exercise whether it’s at Loughborough or back at Durham but I do get some leisure time too.
Complain about this postI’ve managed to go on two holidays with my girlfriend Lisa in the last couple of months, to Portugal and Cyprus.
I’ve been to see a couple of games of football too. I go and see Middlesbrough play because they are my hometown team. But I'm an Arsenal fan at heart and watch them whenever they are playing in the north-east.
Blame my dad for this because he supports Arsenal and
Good luck on your build-up towards the Ashes - and good luck when you get there and play. If you could hit McGrath with a straight six that would be appreciated. In fact, any kind of hitting towards McGrath would be appreciated.
Complain about this postHi Liam
Complain about this postJust wanted to say good luck for the Ashes; I will be spending a lot of money to get Sky set up just for the cricket, so I hope to see you boys dish out some punishment again. Also wanted to ask a question: you never seem to be aggressive when bowling; always poker faced almost or maybe a bit nervous looking. That's not criticism by the way - I brick it when I play lower league cricket when with the bat or ball, so I'd imagine making your debut for England and being new in the set up must be overwhelming. I was just wondering if you reckon you might get fired up against the Aussies, and get under their noses like Simon Jones did last time round. Obviously you haven't got the pace of Harmy or Jones, but that shouldn't stop you from steaming in with more visible intent. Maybe your expression doesn't tell the whole tale though?
well plunkett lad i am glad to hear ur fit again!! he has so much promise but he needs to become more consisitent which i am sure u have beeen told!! if u need any practise against leg spin just give me a call!!! i hear wane is pretty good!! lol
Complain about this postLiam:
A good motivational team exercise... Repeat 10 times every night "Glenda says that it will be 5-0" (it might bring back some memories). It might also be useful for someone to remind Steve Harmison just before he takes aim... I mean, takes the new ball, that some of the Australians have intimated that he's a bit of a mummy's boy! :-)
Seriously, I don't know about this being a great England side, but the bowling has far more strength in depth that it did in 2005 and there is more batting cover. Every position is covered and there is fierce competition for places, so you would have to say that the squad and hence the side are stronger than in 2005. We'll soon see if it's enough, but the Australians look surprisingly edgy, which has to be a good sign.
Get at them! And bring that little urn back safely.
Complain about this postImpressive first entry, intresting stuff. Good luck with the ashes mate, altho i cant wish your football team luck im afraid!
Complain about this postInteresting first blog, I'm sure it'll be fun when it all hots up in Oz. Seems more interesting than Paul Collingwood's also!!
Is it true that Troy Cooley completely remodelled your action? And what effects has this had? Wasn't it meant to stop you getting injured? ;)
Complain about this posthey liam this young lad performed pretty decent when england toured pakistan but since then i have not seen him on the international scene but if he makes to ashes it menas that indeed he menas business hope to see hjim perform well aginst the aussies
Complain about this postgood luck with the ashes and your new house, not sure about the RnB though.
Complain about this postRegarding the post by "JB" below.
Complain about this postIf he could explain which of the Australians are going to bowl us out twice, then he might have a point
An old, not match-fit McGrath embarrassing himself again with 5-0 predictions?
A wayward Lee who we've pummeled in every past series?
An injured journeyman dobber Clark?
Mick Lewis? (0 for 110 in 10)
Watson (unproven in all forms of the game and wouldn't get in the side for either discipline alone)
Mitchell Who?
Shaun Tait (didn't he look a handful when being pumped into the Oval crowd by KP), with "two full bungers an over" MacGill, Dizzy and Kasper in the wings.
Yeah, you've got Warney, but he can't carry you for yet another series.
Can't see us being bowled out once, let alone twice.
I thank you.
good luck pudsey hope things work out for ya over there.
Complain about this postIt is nice to hear that you are back. However, what is important is match fitness.
Given that there are only two warm up games in Australia, is that enough?
Anyway, take care and beat the Aussies!
Complain about this postgood luck lads during the winter and gd luck liam in styaing fit
Complain about this postHi Liam
Complain about this postI used to work with your Dad at Water Treatment before he left.
I can remember your Mam and Dad proudly showing me your schoolboy cricket videos.
Well you have certainly made them proud now son.
I dont know whether you knew but your Dad gave me an old bat and some pads for my son maybe 10 years ago.
No you cannot have them back, because after you have played a starring role in the ashes and stuffed the Aussies i am going to sell them on E Bay and retire Ha Ha.
Good luck son and dont try too hard, your natural talent will be enough.
Ian & Marilyn
Hey mate,
I'm a pommie whos been living in brisbane for the last 10 months, i have my tickets for the first test already and can't wait for you and the rest of the team to come over and stick it to the aussies.
Already on the radio they are talking about australia winning all five tests .. which i'm shocked about !!
Good look and see you in november !! :)
cameron
Complain about this postWho is Liam Plunkett?
Looks like you will be spending the Ashes carrying the drinks and giving throw-downs.
80 mile an hour bowling won't cut it in Australia.
Complain about this postGreat to hear that the preparations are going well. The Ashes cannot be won in the preparation, but they can be lost there.
Stay focused.... and as you can tell, don't think that the papers speak for your average fan. We're all behind you.
Justcoz in NY
Complain about this postwonderful experience
Complain about this postA Boro lad supporting the Gooners?? - you ought to be ashamed of yerself.
I have just lost all respect for you Mr Plunkett. We should run you out of town...
Complain about this postDOn't worry about the weather mate, by the time you get to Perth in December you'll have forgot all about the Boro.
Complain about this postBut in case you and the other Durham lads are getting homesick i'll get our lass to make a nice corned beef pie for youse in Perth.
It's really nice to finally know the name of your partner. We (Mariam, Gilly and me) were previously referring to her as your 'blonde companion' but now she will be known as Lisa for evermore. Oh yeah, and you're the best cricketer, and the least 'stingy' as we sent some other of your teammates cards and none bothered to reply.
Complain about this postPlease have a good talk with them, as you are obviously the only one to treat his fans properly.
Will keep you posted in case they write back. This will mean your talk was successful.
Great bloggy by the way.
I am going slightly crazy and school hasn't even started yet... Ooops.
By the way. Mariam says that you're gonna think you replied to a lunatic. You didn't.
Also, to everyone who keeps having a go at you for the RnB thing, I would like to join the club.
Also, your name is in our Cipher Challenge team name.
There. This is mighty long. Oh well.
Im so glad that you have full fitness and im extra glad that you are in the ashes squad i hope you and the rest of the squad can bring back the ashes and that you take lots of wickets and bowl lots and lots. xxx
Complain about this postFrom a fellow 21yr old Plunkett; good luck for the ashes mate, hope the side strain doesn’t rear its ugly head.
Good to hear you're all preparing hard and none (well not too much) of the arrogance shown by the Aussies...
Complain about this postOrate Liam
Are you boys confident on what the out come of the series will be????. I think we have the players to get by like 2005. That was the greatest series iv seen and im sure there will be more fireworks in Aussieland. With Monty and you seamers we should cause problems. Beating pakistan was big and must have boosted the camp? What is like having your first ashes tour coming up? All the best and good luck too the boys.
Up The England!!!!
Complain about this postLiam
Great to hear you're on course for the Ashes-that's wicked news and I hope it stays that way and you get your chance to shine down under.
Well, I don't really know what else to add but best of luck mate and stay fit!
:)
p.s. Ignore what the rest are saying-you have a great taste in music!!
Complain about this postHey Liam,
Glad to hear ur gona be fit for the ashes.I think a successful tour of Australia will do your cricketing carrier a world of good and to be honest I have a good feeling about this ashes tour and you alongside sajid mahmood ; Australia are going to struggle!! Good luck and lets teach the aussieis a few lessons in cricket. All the best.
Complain about this postAsim
You are really attractive, I could not watch the ashes without you, so you better not get injured again!
Complain about this postLoves yas
x x x
Hi Liam,
unfortunate that u r not goin 2 India. I'm sure the lads will miss u there.
Complain about this postPlaese send the Aussies somewhere where they'll never forget the name LIAM PLUNKETT
Good luck with the house and give the aussies hell! But when we win, don't get too drunk and get injured again!
Complain about this postGood luck in Australia! I have been impressed with your bowling. Hope you are in the team for 1st test, as your batting and accurate bowling could be vital!
Complain about this postHi Liam,
Complain about this postHave fun in the Ashes. According to my study of the falling leaves, you will play all five matches in the Ashes, take between 18 and 21 wickets, and average between 12 and 15 with the bat. You might drop one catch, but not two.
Liam
Complain about this postGood to hear you're back on form. We need you raring to go for the Aussies. I'd really like to see your batting improve as we're going to need as many lower-middle order runs as possible this tour.
Crickster
good luck mate, i wish you all the best! i will be following every ball and hope that you can bowl as many as possible, dont let ant aussies get to you, its only a game at the end of the day and you will get may more chances to take them down again! you dont need me wishing you any luck because i know, and you know you are good enough to do the job anyday! just look after yourself and enjoy it! we are all behind you!
Complain about this postHey Liam, i just want to say you are a great cricketer and i just hope we retain the ashes as i've had a £30.00 bet that england win!!!
Lee
Complain about this postThe key to this years Ashes is the performance of the English bowlers. Either yourself or Saj Mahmood needs to take a big step up to become a genuine world class bowler. If that happens and Monty Panaser bowls well then we'll bring the ashes home.
I'm one of many ex-pats who has lives out in Oz and I wouldn't worry too much about the "australian crowd" the barmy army will be out in force - no worries...
Complain about this postI have started to wonder why cricketers run for miles non stop to get fit for cricket. After all, when does a cricketer have to run 7 miles during a game?
They may run a few miles over the course of a day, but it's all stop-start: Run in to bowl, walk back, walk to fine leg, stand about for a bit, maybe field one or two, stand about some more, have lunch....
I'm not saying cricket is easy, just perhaps it would be better for cricketers to reflect what the do on the pitch in their fitness training?
Complain about this postmate, save urself the trouble in coming to australia. u just gonna get belted by the aussies. the only ashes you will be taking home are the ones from when ur pastey skin burns in the australian heat. GO AUSSIE GO! u may beat us in england when u have the umpires on ur side but ur not gonna win in australia. AUSSIE AUSSIE AUSSIE OI OI OI. ta ta pomeys
Complain about this posthello liam, i am a great fan of yours. do you know someone called tom westly because he is good friends with my brother and i also know him.
Complain about this postgood luck with the recovery, ive missed u in the side and u deserve an ashes place ahead of mahmood and harmison, just make sure you thrash em
Complain about this postPlunks, you didn't reply earlier concerning you coming to play for the Ants and I think I know why mate - the issue of players getting paid and it affecting team morale etc. I understand your concerns mate, Wilco DID leave the Ants Nest because he found out Llongy was getting paid and a few of the boys DID become dissatisfied when they found out Lazers was on 5 sheets a run. But I can honestly say the culture has changed mate, people would understand if you came down the Ants Nest inbetween tests and earnt a bit of extra dollar - it wouldn't be a problem. You would love the deck at the Nest mate, would be quite a bit of bounce for you, not like when you made your test debut in Pakistan on the slowest, flattest deck in the world. Reminded me of my Ants debut back in 2001 at Old Stacians in a Sunday game, now that WAS a slow deck! I hung in there though mate, just like you did in Pakistan, I think I got 3 fa in the end. Gillie said I would go far and he was right, I took plenty of wickets for the Massive in the Premier League. Wellsy reckons I'm no worse than the likes of you and Mahmood. Maybe we could arrange for you to come and have a tour of the Nest? I'm sure my bro would fit in a lap of Liquid somewhere!
Complain about this postWas watching england bat friday night, strauss was batting brilliantly, then was given out to a ball was alleged to have hit the edge of the bat, my eyesight isnt the best, (im only 35) but I could clearly see there was at least 1/2 an inch between bat and ball, and I was standing 15 feet away from the tv, shouldnt the cricketing authorities get umpires in that have better eyesight!!!
Or maybe there should be tv replays like for run outs and stumpings!! Why not for catches!
Even everyone in the commentery box said straight away not out, oh except for the aussie who was in the box seat(no surprise there).
Come on England!!!
Complain about this post