Liam Plunkett open to playing for US

Liam Plunkett
Liam Plunkett picked up 3/42 in the 2019 World Cup final against the Kiwis. File photo: Reuters

London: Fast bowler Liam Plunkett, who has been left out of England's summer training squad, has said he is open to the idea of playing for the United States one day.

The 35-year-old, whose wife is American, has not played for England since claiming three wickets in last year's World Cup final against New Zealand.

He would need to serve a three-year residency period to be eligible to play for the United States, who gained One-Day International status last year.

"It would be nice be involved in some sort of cricket over there," Plunkett told BBC Radio 5 Live.

Cleaned up
Liam Plunkett exults after castling Henry Nicholls in the 2019 World Cup final. File photo: AFP

"My kids might be American, so it would be quite cool to say to them that I played for England and the US."

England have asked a group of 55 players to return to training to prepare for the start of the English summer season, which was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Right-arm quick Plunkett, who did not make the cut, said he could see himself mentoring young American cricketers.

"I'm English and I'll always be an Englishman, but if I'm still fit and there's an opportunity to play at the highest level, why would I not take it?"

Celebration time
Liam Plunkett, left, and captain Eoin Morgan celebrate the dismissal of India's Hardik Pandya in a 2019 World Cup group match. File photo: AFP

"If I go over there and end up being a US citizen, or have a green card, I can help the development, especially being someone who has just finished with England."

The comments posted here/below/in the given space are not on behalf of Onmanorama. The person posting the comment will be in sole ownership of its responsibility. According to the central government's IT rules, obscene or offensive statement made against a person, religion, community or nation is a punishable offense, and legal action would be taken against people who indulge in such activities.