Plunkett relishing pace contest by AFP

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Event:

ICC World Cup 2006/07

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DateLine: 13th March 2007

 

Liam Plunkett has insisted he is not taking his place in England's fast bowling line-up for granted as the team gets ready for its opening World Cup match against New Zealand on Friday.

 

The Durham quick finished England's recent one-day tri-series triumph in Australia, where New Zealand were the third side involved, as his side put a wretched run of form behind it to stun the hosts and reigning world champions 2-0 in the final.

 

However, 21-year-old Plunkett now finds himself effectively competing for a place alongside fellow seamers Sajid Mahmood, Jon Lewis and James Anderson.

 

At least one of the quartet is set to miss out come Friday's opener at Beausejour.

 

Lewis and Anderson missed the Australia finale because of injury but Plunkett told reporters here Tuesday.

 

"Obviously I finished well (in Australia) but Jimmy and Lewy bowled really well at the start of the one-day series. You can never do too much."

 

And of the competition for places, he added: "It's good for the team but personally I'd like to play. I want to play every game especially in a World Cup. I love to play but we'll see how it goes."

 

Plunkett insisted the England quicks has been a united group. "We've been getting together and chatting about the wickets.

 

"It's been really valuable having people like Lew around who has played county cricket for a long time and knows a lot about his game.

 

England thrashed Bermuda in one of their warm-up games in St Vincent last week but were well beaten in the other by Australia.

 

"The warm-up games were of huge benefit. We got some really valuable practice. "You can't just run-up and bowl these average seam-up.

 

"Watching the way the Australians bowled, especially Stuart Clark and Nathan Bracken, was valuable."

 

England and New Zealand are the overwhelming favourites to qualify from a Group also featuring Canada and Kenya. But, assuming both do go through, the winners of Friday's match will carry through two points into the second stage, Super Eight phase.

 

"It's a massive game," said Plunkett. It will set the standard for the way we play in the rest of the tournament."

(Article: Copyright © 2007 AFP)