‘We’ve set the standard in one-day cricket,’ says England bowler Liam Plunkett

By Andrew Lawton

THE perfect performance continues to allude England’s ODI side according to bowler Liam Plunkett with their next chance coming in the Royal London One-Day International Series against India.

England put in some stunning 50-over performances against Australia earlier this summer including a world record total of 481-6 at Trent Bridge in an historic 5-0 series victory.

But 33-year-old Plunkett insists England, the top ranked ICC ODI team, can get even better against India as they continue their preparations for a home World Cup in 2019.

“We’re looking to get the perfect performance together,” said Plunkett, speaking at a private bowling session to celebrate unconventional greatness in cricket with Royal London.

“You want to get a massive score and you want to bowl well at the same time. I think why we are number one is that even when we’ve done well we still want to get better.

“We have set the standard recently in one-day cricket in how good we can be, but everyone is trying to get better. It’s myself also, I can’t just be happy with where I’m at.

“I think that’s what the best teams and the best sports people do is get better and better.

“It’s a new series so you need to start afresh, that 5-0 series was great, but by the next T20I it was finished. Obviously, there’s people in form but you have to start again.

“You try and win every game, you go in game by game trying to win, so obviously you want a 3-0 series win but India are a good team too.”

Plunkett has 70 England ODI caps since his debut back in 2005 despite playing in just two matches between 2008 and 2015.

Since England’s exit from the 2015 World Cup though, the powerful seamer has become a key component of Eoin Morgan’s bowling unit with the white ball.

Plunkett’s county future may still be up in the air, he’s yet to sign a contract extension with Yorkshire, but his imminent plans with England are all gearing towards the 2019 World Cup.

And the former Durham man, who will turn 34 next April, admits the last few years have been the some of the best of his career to date in his nation’s shirt.

“It’s enjoyable, the last few years I’ve been playing for England have been the most enjoyable of my career,” added the Yorkshire quick.

“Obviously when you win you are enjoying it otherwise you shouldn’t be in the game.

“It’s nice to get a run out and the belief from Morgs (Eoin Morgan), Trevor (Bayliss), Farby (Paul Farbrace) and the selectors for picking me.

“It’s nice to get that consistency and it’s nice for me to show I can perform for them and England. I want to keep taking care of myself and keep performing.

“People can see if you’re not, if you feel like you’re losing your pace or your skill that’ll show but I want to play in the World Cup and then we’ll see after that.

“I still want to play for England as long as I can and I’ll play until I get dragged off pretty much.”

Royal London, proud sponsors of one-day cricket, is celebrating unconventional greatness in the game by championing the independent spirit of players and fans.