Plunkett flies out as cover

17 November 2009

Liam Plunkett, a member of the England Test squad, will head to South Africa early as injuries continue to bite

England have called up Liam Plunkett as bowling cover for the first two one-day internationals in South Africa due to a mounting injury list.

Off-spinner Graeme Swann and all-rounder Stuart Broad are sidelined by side and shoulder injuries respectively, while pace bowler James Anderson continues to struggle with a knee problem.

Alastair Cook and Paul Collingwood are suffering from back complaints, leaving England with only 11 fit players for their final warm-up encounter against South Africa A in Potchefstroom today.

Bowling coach Ottis Gibson was forced to field briefly during the encounter at Senwes Park, prompting England to call on Plunkett as they prepare for the one-day series, which gets under way at the Wanderers on Friday.

Although the Durham seamer Plunkett was named in the Test squad, the England and Wales Cricket Board confirmed he will fly out to join the limited-overs party tomorrow.

The 24-year-old has not played a one-day international since July 2007, but he claimed 49 wickets at an average of 24.83 to help Durham retain the LV= County Championship this season.