Plunkett’s ready to rumble for the White Rose

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After missing most of last season through injury, Yorkshire’s Liam Plunkett feels he can recapture the form that made him one of the game’s most prolific strike bowlers as he embarks on bringing the good times to Headingley in 2013.

Plunkett, 27, who joined the Tykes in November after a 12-year stint at Durham, only played one Championship match during the 2012 season as he suffered an Achilles injury.

After a strong pre-season under the guidance of the coaching staff at Headingley, the Middlesbrough-born seamer is looking forward to continuing his rehabilitation in the warmth of Australia over the next couple of months.

“I can’t wait get over there,” said Plunkett, who will spend the next eight weeks playing and training at the Darren Lehmann Cricket Academy in Adelaide.

“The whole programme will be vital. I didn’t play much cricket last year and it will be important for me to get some overs under my belt before we head out to Barbados in March. The Academy in Adelaide has a great reputation and I know the area very well having played at Adelaide University in Grade cricket in my late teens. I will be playing for the University club during this eight-week stint and I will also get to play during the week for the Academy.

“The aim is to hit the ground running and make an impact. If I can play some good cricket and take some wickets that will help me come back to England in a positive frame of mind ready for the new campaign.”

Having moved to Leeds and sharing an apartment with Yorkshire’s other new signing Jack Brooks, Plunkett has found the transition of settling into a new club a relatively pain-free experience and believes the move to Headingley will give him a new lease of life he has been yearning for in his professional career.

“I had 12 enjoyable years at Durham, which was a huge part of my life,” added Plunkett.

“I was ready for a new challenge and it was the easiest decision I’ve ever had to make once Yorkshire came in for me. I nearly came here last season on a loan spell but that didn’t materialise. I am a Yorkshireman and it feels like I’m coming home. My family were delighted when I signed.

“I have been made to feel welcome. It helps knowing a few of the lads through conenections with England rep sides. Yorkshire are back on the up and we are entering an exciting era in the modern history of the Club. The Club always produces top class cricketers and the current crop are amongst the most talented in the game. Our aim is to build on last year’s success and win some trophies. We are capable of doing that, in all forms of the game, and if you are a Yorkshire fan, I think it will be a great season.

“The forthcoming campaign will be important for me. I want to recapture my form from a few years ago and help Yorkshire push for glory back in Division One.

“I enjoy playing in all forms of the game but there is something very satisfying when you come through a gruelling four-day match, with all results in the balance and you pull off a win. The aim is to experience many moments like that with Yorkshire this year.”

Yorkhsireccc.com will keep you up-to-date of Liam’s exploits in Adelaide during his stint with the Darren Lehmann Cricket Academy over the weeks ahead.