'Cricket passion is in my blood'

Fast bowler Liam Plunkett has established himself in the England limited-overs side in the past two-three years with some fine performances. The 32-year-old will complete a decade in international cricket this month and has had a lot of ups and downs in his career, but he still managed to make a strong comeback. The cricketer, who was rejuvenated by a move to Jason Gillespie-coached Yorkshire, is playing for Sylhet Sixers in the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League and spoke about his career, missing out on the Ashes and a few other topics in an exclusive interview with The Daily Star's Mazhar Uddin. The following are excerpts:

The Daily Star (TDS): How is your experience so far in the BPL?

Liam Plunkett (LP): We started in Sylhet and the team won the first three games. The crowds were amazing in Sylhet, obviously as it was the first time that they have had matches there. Great experience, but last two games I missed out for injury which was disappointing; hopefully I am fit to play tomorrow [Wednesday]. I have been to Bangladesh maybe four or five times before for international duties.

TDS: How challenging is it for a fast bowler to perform in the subcontinent?

LP: I think no one around the world now can just come up and bowl seam here; it has to be cutters and variations. As an international player and as a good player you have to play well in every continent, you have to adapt and look at the local bowlers -- how they bowl and maybe take some advice from them. It's tough, but you have to play in tough conditions against tough people where the weather is going to be warmer, more humid, more sweaty... so it's good to be part of the squad; it's fun.

TDS: You will complete a decade in international cricket having made your Test debut back in 2005 against India at Lord's. Tell us about your journey for England so far?

LP: It's good. Obviously I was in an out before but for the past three years I feel like a part of the England team. I have enjoyed it and become one of the names in the playing eleven. Hopefully after Christmas we have one-day series against Australia and New Zealand; hopefully I will be there and do well.

TDS: You have rediscovered your bowling with more pace and venom since making a return to the England side after a long gap. What motivated you?

LP: I think I always wanted to play for England again, I wanted to play around the world; I have got cricket passion in my blood ever since I was a young boy as I always wanted to play cricket. I always knew that I will come back; it was more mental and technical and I feel like I have got some cricket demons; my move to Yorkshire helped me rediscover myself and here I am right now.

TDS: How much does an Ashes series mean for an English cricketer?

LP: Every time you play for England, it's massive. The rivalry between England and Australia is massive, so the England guys will now be looking forward to that. The battle will commence soon.

TDS: Did you hope to get a recall in the upcoming Ashes series after your tremendous performance in the limited-overs recently?

LP: Sometimes, maybe yeah, but whatever happens it happens and I am here. My mind is focused on BPL for the Sylhet Sixers. So I am looking to win for them, help the team and help the guys win.

TDS: How was the experience during last year's series against Bangladesh here?

LP: A lot hotter... last year was really warm so I was expecting that this time but it's nice and cool. The conditions are nicer for English people and what was really good was that we managed to win the one-day series last time. Obviously we have seen some good and hard cricket with some good cricketers in the Bangladesh team.

TDS: What suggestions would you give Bangladeshi fast bowlers to exploit conditions and pitches in seaming conditions abroad?

LP:  Young kids have got good seam naturally because you have to hit the seam here to do anything. So when you go to England it's just about making sure that you pitch the ball full and you get some swing and nip. It will be more movement than here as the people in England bowl straighter on good lengths to get wickets.