Thanks for the warm welcome!
Wow, I am impressed my first blog entry has generated so much interest - with most of the comments of a positive nature so thanks for that!
I will of course be reading all of them and it is nice to have had such a warm welcome and messages of support as I prepare for the .
I have picked out a few entries to reply to but keep them coming and look out for my second blog very soon.
Paul Griffiths wrote
Just wondered what a fitness test involves. i.e. akin to a football fitness test, or slightly different because it is geared towards Cricket?
Hi Paul, alll fitness tests are different and are carried out to make sure a player鈥檚 body is up to the rigours of playing in matches.
My fitness test concentrated on me having to hold various positions, mainly to do with my side because this is the area I had strained.
I also had to bowl to prove I could do it without any reaction to my injury.
Mark Higgins wrote
I've 拢10 on you making a test 50 this winter.
Hi Mark, my batting is a key part and I take it very seriously. In today鈥檚 cricket you can鈥檛 be one-dimensional so the more you can do with bat and ball the better.
If I can get a fifty down the order and can contribute to a big score it is a massive bonus.
Re the bet, I鈥檒l be trying my best and it鈥檚 great you have faith in my batting. That little bit of pressure sometimes helps.
Andrew Findlater wrote
If you could hit McGrath with a straight six that would be appreciated. In fact, any kind of hitting towards McGrath would be appreciated!
I鈥檝e been reading what has been saying in the papers about Monty Panesar being soft and him claiming Australia will win 5-0. I just see it as a bit if fun.
I think it鈥檚 putting the pressure back on the Aussies by him making these bold statements.
We know we are good enough to perform and on our day we will beat anyone.
Tom Bisely wrote
Is it true that Troy Cooley completely remodelled your action? And what effects has this had? Wasn't it meant to stop you getting injured? ;)
When I first started playing for Durham I had a mixed action which would have caused me back problems in the future.
I spent a lot of time with when he was England bowling coach and he changed it and because of that it is where I am today and all thanks to Troy.
My shoulders and hips are now in line so I don鈥檛 twist as much as I used to.
It鈥檚 not a natural action for me and still needs perfecting but it is getting me results.
Ramesh wrote
It is nice to hear that you are back. However, what is important is match fitness.
Given that there are only two warm up games in Australia, is that enough?
I am already bowling and I think I鈥檒l be really fresh and the two games will be perfect to get me in the mood and to have a taste of cricket again before the Ashes start.
As an avid Durham fan I am obviously delighted that you have followed the other North East lads, Harmy and Colly, into the England set up. However I feel Durham have suffered this year due to not being able to call upon your services for very many matches. With the International schedule as it is these days do you think this is just something that the Counties are going to have to bear, and do you miss playing for Durham on a regular basis. Good luck in the Ashes!
Complain about this postYo Liam
Hope you are well. Just wanted to ask you, now that you have played in the hostile atmosphear of the Gadafi stadium in Lahore and others arround england, how much do you think that the Australian croud will have an inpact, I mean Perth, Brizbane and Melborne aren't small stadiums.
Complain about this postwho do you think is the world s best batsmen?
Complain about this postwho do you think is the world s best bowler ?
How difficult is it to bowl using an action that is not "natural" to you. Is there a danger a bowler will always revert to their old action when striving for that little bit extra?
Complain about this postwhat would you say is your stongest attribute when it comes to your bowling?
Complain about this posthola liam plunkyt
i am from morrocco and we play very little cricket here it is not a very big sport but i like playing it with my friends. we are trying to get a junior team set up, our managers danny evens and matty brown are setting up an academy, they are from england and is are very fast bowlers, we have a wonderful tea lady called anne who makes sandwiches, is this the right food to eat at tea time?what food does the england team have that gives u the right nutrients to play well.
Complain about this postwhat is your celebration action when you get a wicket? we all get together and go, oh oh oh dream team!!
jp
hi, what do u personally think of the worlds greates ever fast bowling combination, wasim and waqar?
Complain about this postWho do you think on the English county scene si the next big thing? I've heard lots of talk about Ravi Bopara, Scott Newman, Samit Patel?
Complain about this postHi mate I see you quite often shopping in Middlesbrough town centre and it is great a Boro lad is going to be facing the ausies this winter.
I really think we can do it don't you?
good luck mate.
Complain about this postHi,
Complain about this postI was interested to hear about the work Troy Cooley did with your action. How big a loss would you say his return to Australia has been and has he taken the secrets of reverse swing to the Ozzie camp with him?
Hey Liam
I m glad to hear that your rehab is going well i was wondering after your training what do you do to relax.
Complain about this postWho is the hardest batsmen you've ever had to bowl to and why?
Complain about this postAre there any Aussie batsmen you think you have the measure of? Flintoff had a real hold over Gilchrist last summer, and Harmison used to cause Ponting all sorts of problems early in his innings. You tend to pitch the ball a bit fuller than both, any advantage in that?
Complain about this posthello
Complain about this postliam....... i was waiting for your reply thank god after reading ur 2nd post but why you dont reply to my post but its okay u know i am really happy that you are is ashes squad cant wait for november best of luck for ashes and for every thing you do in your life and congratz for new house
my prayers are always with u
GOD bless you
I hope the England team are preparing for a radically different series than the last Ashes in England.
The conditions, pressure and motivation levels will be completely different this time round and if England don't prepare for a different type of series, I personally belive Glen Mcgraths prediction could be right!
Complain about this postorite liam we met at the NYSD 15's trophy where my team where victorous over yarm cricket club. i was wondering how are you preparing for the ashes and how do you think the series will finsh
Complain about this postWho out of the current crop of English youngsters do you think will be England regulars in 4-5 years time?
Complain about this postLiam - congrats on getting into the Ashes squad, hope you get onto the pitch from the start. I'm interested to know how you find your lifestyle off the pitch has changed since your int debut, what's the best place you've toured for cricket. Also be cool to know which of the guys in the team you have to bunk with while away both for England and Durham?
Complain about this postAll the best mate.
You made uredebut in pakistan, how was that as an expereince and how highly do you rate this current apkistan side?
Complain about this postHello Liam,
I am a big Durham fan and would just like to congratulate you on reaching the England test side and continuing the success of Harmi and Colly.
Having seen you bowl quite a lot, I am sure you have what it takes to perform at the highest standard. I.e in cauldren stadiums such as Lahore and (dare I mention it) the SCG!
I was amazed that you did 21 concecutive 7 milers, how fast were you running it in? I struggle to do that two days in a row!
Best of luck! Remeber, the Aussies don't like it up 'em!
Regards,
Complain about this postDan
hi liam. whats the most embarassing thing that has ever happened to you in first class/international cricket and good luck with the ashes!! :)
Complain about this postAs a keen player and watcher of cricket in your opinion what is the biggest difference between county cricket and test cricket.
Hope you have a really good tour and bring back those " ASHES"
Complain about this postwell you have to be the best upcoming pace bowler england have at the moment. you could also becoma a very good allrounder. i have 50 quid on you scoring 100 runs so come on could have betted on flintoff or pieterson but know i chose you because i have more faith in you than your mum does. so go out there and shows those aussies what we englaish are made of!!
Complain about this postI have admired you since the start of our career. I want to know why can't England produce bowleers in the Calibre of Wasim, Waqar, Mcgrath, Warne or Murali. They have performed consistently over a decade. In england it is like a one series wonder. I didn't see the same Harmison after the West Indies tour 2 years ago!
Complain about this postHey Liam, just wondered why your nickname is Pudsy and who is your best mate in cricket? Good luck in Oz man
Complain about this postHi, i was just wondering that, i hope you do not play in the 1st 11 because i think Sajid mahmood is much better than you, all the best!!!
Complain about this posthi liam i think your the most economical bowler in the side smash them aussies into next week
Complain about this postEasy question, but always interesting to know. Who has been the most difficult/intimidating batsman and bowler you have faced?
Cheers on the blog!
Complain about this postHi Liam - saw and spoke to you at the U19 test at Headingley in July 2003. Since then only seen you on TV but seems you have reduced your pace a little. Fair point? Do you have another 5 mph in the locker?
Complain about this postHi Laim
I am a mad English cricket fan living here in Launceston Tasmania, the home (sometimes!) of Ponting. The last Ashes series was magic....just make sure you stuff it up the Aussies again. The build up here is HUGE. Even had an email, from my accountant this morning bagging the English team and how McGrath would knock us over.
Complain about this postLiam, you obviously have team plans for bowling to specific players. How do you - without giving away anything of course - approach bowling to a player like Ricky Ponting on his own wickets after the incredible season he had after the Ashes series?
Complain about this postLiam
Still trying to work out why you would warrant a personal 成人快手 blog? You have slim-to-none chances of featuring in a single test against Australia. Honestly, why would an injury prone bit-part allrounder be considered for selection when you have Flintoff in the side.
I can see the familiar sinking story of young, over-rated English players, (refer Chris Schofield) all over again.
Keep up the meds though.
Complain about this posti was at 3 durham matches last season and our bowling was quite poor until the essex match in the pro 40. mick lewis is awful, G onions is allright, thorp isnt brill, breese is our best bowler by far.it is great that you are back. i hope to see you next season at a durham match and the england match against the windies at chester-le-street. good luck!
Complain about this postHello Liam
Im from South Africa and watched my first ashes series last summer. For those five test matches you could have sworn I was English. No matter where you are from in the world, there is nothing quite like giving it to the Aussies. I hope you get you're chance this series, and I will be supporting you guys all the way.
Complain about this postQ. What is you're personal expectations in this series?
Liam, who is your cricketing inspiration and which bowler would you most like to be like?
Complain about this postHi Liam
What do you do in your spare time and do you get homesick when you tour with the squad for a long time? Hope you play in the Ashes tests and good luck for the future.
Patricia
Complain about this postxxx
Hi Liam
What do you think of your chances of winning the World Cup? Who do you think are the team to beat and which player are you looking forward to play against? Also would you rather win the ashes or the world cup?
Complain about this postCrickey, What a popular blog! well done for getting into the squad.
Can't wait for the Ashes to start, although suspect it will cause some late nights - ah well.
Dont stress about being fit - I'm sure half the injuries are caused because you guys are worried and tense - just chill - I'm sure your natural talent will shine through. (that said please bear in mind that if we dont retain the ashes I will cry - and I'm sure you don't want that on your conscious)
I shall enjoy reading your blog - do keep it up and most importantly Good Luck (to you and the rest of the boys!!)
Jennie
Complain about this postDont you think Stuart Broad would have been a better bet than you for The Ashes?
Complain about this postHello Liam
Well done for hosting this blog: it's very nice for us nut-case cricket fans to have a little access to our Gods.
You bowled well in the big matches this summer and, at times, without a lot of luck. What really impressed me was your ability to sometimes late-swing the ball. Is this an aspect of your game that you've consciously worked on, or has it just come along for you fairly easily and naturally?
Complain about this postI was just wondering what you believe your chances are of playing in the first test at Brisbane. Having impressed during the winter due you believe the place will be yours despite Saj bowling well and Jimmy regaining fitness?
Complain about this postThanks for replying to my comment. After reading what you had to say about Troy, what are your thoughouts on Kevin Shine? He looks to be a very high quality coach to me and I wondered how he is different to Cooley?
Complain about this postLiam, given time to continue your development - what is the fastest speed you imagine yourself bowling at?
All the best for the winter.
Complain about this postIts great to see you back Liam, you are our answer to the future of swing bowling. Hope you make it into the side in the winter
Complain about this postAfter hearing Andrew Flintoffs comments recently regarding being hungrier to play cricket after time out due to injury. Do you think this applies to yourself and do you think it is vital to have a couple of months away from intense cricket per year??
Also which is the best night out Newcastle or Whitley bay??.
Complain about this postLiam, its great to hear that you are on the mend and on the way back.
Given England's success over the last 18 months or so with a relatively settled side, where do you see yourself fitting into that team at Test level.
Do you consider you are a bowler who can contribute useful runs lower in the order or do you see yourself as a genuine all-rounder option to the selectors.
I know self-assessment is difficult, but I'd be interested to hear your views.
Complain about this postHi Liam, Having played nearly a decade with Adelaide Uni, I have an understanding of the conditions in Australia but, not the pressures of International Cricket. How well do you feel your time at the club will help you (if at all), in taking on my fellow countrymen this winter and does it count for much anyway, given the leap in standard?
Complain about this postPS Hope you do well in a closely won series by Aust.
Hello mate, I used to play with you along time ago as a junior at Marske CC. You were short and fat then. What's gone on there. The last I remembered you were pritty useful with the bat. The next thing I know your opening the bowling for England.
All the best for the summer, would be nice to hear from you,
All the best,
Complain about this postMatty Hewison.
There is a school of thought that the action that feels most natural is the best for a bowler, even if the risk of injury is higher.
Complain about this postHi again Liam,
Complain about this postWhat are some of the people on your blog on about?
Mahmood has had his luck, but you are soooo much more consistent.
And Stuart Broad, okay, so I shouldn't say this because Mariam (the other one who sent you card) had a slight 'phase' with him, but he doesn't seem to be all that great.
Ravi Bopara should get a shot some time soon at the International scene, as he seems to have shone in the County season for Essex. I don't think we've seen Broad in the International spotlight enough yet.
But who knows? He might be the best, or just having amazing beginners luck.
By the way, did you know you are currently the 62nd best Test Bowler and 91st best ODI Bowler!
Woah!
Hi Liam,
i entered this blog before as r and would like to add this; i have heard that the ECB have some sort of development squad somewhere and you lot still get match fitness there. But i am confused. Do u actually play any matches?
cheers and good luck...
Riki
Complain about this posthi Liam plunkett you are such a good player i am from pakistan and i want to knwo that how was ur tour of pakistan it was your 1st tour with england team so how do u feel for ur 1st tour and tell some good or bad things about it please i am waiting lov u byeeeeeeee
Complain about this posthi liam, as a durham fan i've watched you since you first broke thru. my concern is that with your new action it seems to have a lost you a bit of speed and looks a bit 'mechanical'
Complain about this postor is it a question of confidence at the top level?
anyway good luck this winter
how do you think we are going to do in the world cup? do you think you have a chance of getting a permanent place in the ODI and Test side?
Complain about this postHi
I haven't seen much of ur bowling but it would be good to see you doing good in Ashes.
Complain about this postI am not a big fan of England but would do just anything to see Australia loose.
These australian are very proudy, you guys need to bring them down which is only possible if u win th Ashes.
I know u guys have it in u. And English team is deffinetly better than Australia.
But on champions trophy, India is gonna win.
Best of Luck.
Liam,
Brilliant blog. And as ive already told you how good you are in a previous comment, I just wanted to ask: Who encouraged you to get into cricket? Was it just of your own accord; you were a fan of cricket and wanted to experience it yourself, or did a friend or family member introduce you to the game?
I'll be fascinated to know.
Mariam
Complain about this postHey Liam, just want to wish u and the guys the best of luck for the Ashes!! I'm sure you'll all do brillianty, despite injury problems...you will be one of the main match winners, as i believe, that u can have a great impact on a game! Also, i was wondering, how key do u think crowds r in a match? eg, in football, they can act as a 12th man, is it the same in cricket? As in, can it affect a cricketers mentality?
Best of luck!!
Complain about this postHi Liam,
Good luck for the winter.
I must advise you, that RED is not a lucky colour, you would be much better off with Black & White. And in football terms, there is a team just a short run down the A66. Howay, give yourself a treat, and pop to see Darlo play. This will also make you appreciate how well things are going for you. :-)
Complain about this postCheers
Chris
Hey liam,
Good luck to you in the ODI's mate as I think you can make an impact in that version as you are very handy with the bat as well.
I like your front on action as its ma favourite. Your yorkers are brilliant as well but one advice is that you need to build your body a bit for a fast bowler to be hitting 90 consistenly.
All the best mate but if you meet the Windies, take it easy on ma buddies mate!! Lol !!
Complain about this postOne of the key things this winter is going to be to find a number 8 batsman who can score regular 20s, 30s and 40s like Ashley Giles and also chip in with enough wickets to be a front-line attacking bowler. I saw your 50 against Pakistan in a real crisis on a difficult pitch and was impressed. Now it's time to show that you can deliver that kind of performance regularly because that number 8 spot is a gaping hole in the side. Are you up to showing that the game in Pakistan was not a flash in the pan? If you are, the side will be stronger for it.
Complain about this postEngland were at there peak when they beat the Australians. This time around assuies have maintained there supremacy with there consistency and bench strenght. England will have to pull off something special to retain the ashes.
Complain about this postLiam - it would be nice to know what you cricket ambitions are, particularly in tests. Do you see yourself staying as a mid 80's bowler or - given your fitness strenth and height - as a guy who in time will be bowling either side of 90? And apart from speed, accuracy and movement what role do you see for thinking out batters like quicks such as Donald, Walsh etc seemed to have the ability to do?
Complain about this postGood luck in the Ashes this winter, everyone back home is supporting you guys and we know you can retain the Ashes.
Complain about this postI am so sad that Shoab has been brought up on steriod drug accusations. He is a lovely bowler with a superb action generating 90-100mph. As an Englishman I do not hope he is lost to the game. For me he ranks up with Jeff Thompson.
Complain about this postNot much on my mind lately. My life's been completely boring these days. I've just been hanging out not getting anything done. So it goes.
Complain about this postBasically nothing noteworthy happening right now, but eh. Today was a complete loss. I haven't been up to much recently. I've pretty much been doing nothing worth mentioning.
Complain about this post