Plunkett pushing to play

Plunkett: Looking to impress

After I got dropped from the England team, I was struggling for a year. I knew it wasn't really good enough and I had to do something about it

Liam Plunkett
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Liam Plunkett is determined to make sure he isn't just carrying the drinks during England's one-day series with South Africa.

With a place already assured in the squad for the Test leg of the tour, the Durham seamer is determined to win a recall in all forms of cricket.

The 24-year-old was drafted in as cover for the injured Stuart Broad, though he insists he hasn't joined up just to make up the numbers.

Plunkett has not featured for England since July 2007 but is coming off the back of a highly-successful season in domestic cricket.

Pushing

"I want to be pushing to play, in the one-dayers now as well as the Tests," he said. "I don't want to be carrying the drinks."

Plunkett's fall from grace wasn't just with England. During Durham's maiden county championship in 2008 he struggled to hang onto his place in the first XI.

However this summer he has been a leading light in helping the north east county retain their title, with his consistency earning him an international recall.

"After I got dropped from the England team, I was struggling for a year," he admitted. "I knew it wasn't really good enough and I had to do something about it.

"I told (Durham coach) Geoff (Cook) I was struggling and I knew I wasn't bowling well enough to play - to keep others out.

"It was a year too long really. I knew that couldn't go on. But I think I grew up a lot in that time."

Meanwhile, Chris Nash is to return home from England's Performance Programme in South Africa after fracturing his thumb.

The Sussex batsman requires surgery after suffering the break during a practice session. He will not be replaced in the squad, which is due to stay until December 17.