“That’s a Disgrace” Michael Vaughan Slams ECB for Neglecting Liam Plunkett

England’s World-Cup winning cricketer Liam Plunkett is going through a rough phase in his career. He last played for England in World Cup 2019 and hasn’t been picked for any match since then. Former England captain Michael Vaughan blasted over the ECB for not treating Liam appropriately. 

In conversation with former left-arm spinner Phil Tuffnil, during the Tuffers and Vaughan podcast, Michael Vaughan remarked that it’s an insult to a senior player like Liam. He criticized the authorities for their poor management and lack of communication with Plunkett. 

Michael said, “Do you know what, Phil? The most disappointing thing that I heard in that interview was that after the World Cup final, he won England a World Cup with a group of players and management, and not one person rang him up. Not one person,” 

He added, “He had to find that [news of omission] out through Twitter – I’m sorry, that’s back in your day, Phil. That doesn’t happen in this era of cricket, that’s a disgrace.” 

He will be a great coach: Michael Vaughan

Liam Plunkett didn’t find a place in England’s 55-players squad who resumed training for the test series against West Indies. Also, ECB didn’t include Liam in the central contract which indicates that his tenure with England Cricket has come to an end. 

Talking about the same, Vaughan quoted, “I can’t understand it. I know people are looking to go forward, you got to always think about four years’ time … [but he’s] experienced, played all around the world, was the go-to guy for Eoin Morgan in that World Cup, can bat as well, great team member – I can’t quite see it,”

During the conversation, the former England captain revealed that Liam can be a good coach in the future as he has great experience in bowling all over the world in different situations. 

Michael added, “If [Plunkett] does go on to perhaps get his coaching badges … I think he’ll be a great man to have to knock around in English cricket, for sure. All that experience and you need a certain type of bowler in those situations, Mike, don’t you? Someone who enjoys having the ball at those pressure times. And Liam’s always done that.”

I’m English and I’ll always be an Englishman: Liam Plunkett

Meanwhile, Liam Plunkett is planning to play cricket for the United States on an international level. Plunkett’s wife is an American and he believes that it would be cool to have played for two countries. 

Plunkett told BBC Radio 5 Live’s Tuffers and Vaughan Show, “It would be nice to be involved in some sort of cricket over there. My kids might be American, so it would be quite cool to say to them that I played for England and the U.S.,” 

However, he would have to serve as a US citizen for three years before he becomes eligible for claiming citizenship. Discussing the same, the pacer added, “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? If I go over there and end up being a U.S. citizen, or have a green card. I can help the development, especially being someone who has just finished with England. It would be nice to get involved in that,”