Plunkett takes the plaudits ahead of Oval ODI

Plunkett boasts seven wickets from three matches and will be looked upon to play a key role again as England aims to triumph at The Oval on Wednesday and move 2-0 up with one match to play.

Published : Jun 29, 2016 02:34 IST , London

As well as striking a final-ball six to ensure the first ODI in Nottingham was tied, Plunkett has starred with the ball against Sri Lanka on his return to England's 50-over team.
As well as striking a final-ball six to ensure the first ODI in Nottingham was tied, Plunkett has starred with the ball against Sri Lanka on his return to England's 50-over team.
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As well as striking a final-ball six to ensure the first ODI in Nottingham was tied, Plunkett has starred with the ball against Sri Lanka on his return to England's 50-over team.

Eoin Morgan has hailed the performances of fast bowler Liam Plunkett ahead of the fourth one-day international with Sri Lanka, which the tourists must avoid defeat in to keep the series alive.

As well as striking a final-ball six to ensure the first ODI in Nottingham was tied, Plunkett has starred with the ball against Sri Lanka on his return to England's 50-over team.

The Yorkshire paceman boasts seven wickets from three matches and will be looked upon to play a key role again as England aims to triumph at The Oval on Wednesday and move 2-0 up with one match to play.

"He's bowling beautifully at the moment," skipper Morgan told BBC Sport.

"It's not an easy thing to bowl quick. Ideally we want a genuine quick in our side and Liam is one of those people."

After rescuing a tie in the series opener, England romped to a 10-wicket victory at Edgbaston and was favourite to win Sunday's third ODI in Bristol when rain forced an abandonment.

Sri Lanka was only able to post a meagre total of 248-9, with the host reaching 16-1 from four overs before the heavens opened.

"This series has been a bit stop-start, so we're keen to play and hopefully put in a good, solid performance," Morgan added.

"You don't know what the weather is going to do, but hopefully you can pick the correct side to win the match."

Sri Lanka, which also lost the preceding Test series 2-0, continues to be hampered by injuries.

Captain Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal again defied hamstring niggles to contribute 56 and 62 respectively in Bristol, while Niroshan Dickwella was added to the touring party ahead of that game as a replacement for the injured Lahiru Thirimanne (back strain).

Wednesday's contest at the home of Surrey will be followed by a fifth and final match in Cardiff on Saturday.

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