No Reasons to get Subdued by Australia's Ashes Success, says Liam Plunkett

All-rounder Liam Plunkett stressed that England’s ODI specialist have no reason to be cowed by Australia’s Ashes success. After a humiliating defeat in the longer format, the tourists are keen to take sweet revenge in the Gillette ODI series.

While the likes of Joe Root, Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow and Chris Woakes heads into Sunday’s series opener in Melbourne bearing the bruises of the Test result, others are bringing a fresh dynamic.

Alex Hales (51) and skipper Eoin Morgan (81*) shined as England beat Cricket Australia XI in the practice game. Liam Plunkett joined Mark Wood and bowled with good pace. Plunkett took two wickets from his nine overs including CA skipper Matt Renshaw with only his third delivery on tour.

“Australia are a good team and they’re confident from the Ashes but it is a different squad and a different unit here. A lot of our guys didn’t play in the Ashes, so we’re full of energy and full of beans. Some of the guys have been out here playing in the Big Bash, lads have been all over the world playing, so we’re full of confidence and looking forward to that first game,” Plunkett said after the match.

Plunkett admits further that it will be a massive challenge and they are looking forward to it.

“It’s a massive challenge against one of the best teams in the world, we’re looking forward to doing battle with them and trying to take this series. It’s always a test when you come to somebody else’s backyard. To get a win out here is pretty big,” Plunkett further stated.

Joe Root who was hospitalized during the last day of the fifth Test is expected to take part in the first match at Melbourne. With Jonny Bairstow opening, Alex Hales and Jason Roy will fight it out for the other spot. With Hales coming good in the practice match, he is likely to open the innings with Bairstow.

Alex Hales was earlier suspended by England an Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for his involvement in a brawl along with Ben Stokes. Later, he was cleared innocent.

Speaking after Thursday’s match in Sydney, Morgan said Hales has “learned his lesson”.

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