Plunkett shocked by Test squad call-up for Pakistan

The Durham fast bowler, who had already been named in the one-day party, replaces the injured Simon Jones as Michael Vaughan's side look to build on this summer's memorable Ashes triumph over Australia.

With Jones nursing an ankle injury, chairman of selectors David Graveney had been expected to call up Chris Tremlett as his replacement.

But, with the Hampshire seamer continuing to struggle with a knee injury of his own, Graveney telephoned Plunkett yesterday morning to confirm his elevation to the Test ranks.

The 20-year-old started last season hoping to earn a place in England's Academy this winter. Instead, he will rubbing shoulders with the likes of Steve Harmison and Andrew Flintoff during the three-Test series in Pakistan.

"It still seems a bit surreal," admitted Plunkett, who took a total of 68 wickets last season as Durham won promotion to the first division of both the County Championship and the totesport League. "It hasn't sunk in yet, I'm in a state of shock and I'm still walking round in a daze.

"I was at Loughborough (at the ECB National Academy) on Monday doing some fitness testing, but there was no indication then that any of this was going to happen.

"I knew that Chris was there as well, and I knew he was going to be having some fitness tests to see how he was shaping up, but I wasn't really thinking about how they might have gone.

"There wasn't any mention of anything regarding the Test squad, so I guess I just assumed Chris must have been OK. It's not like I was expecting to go or anything, so it was easy to just get on with the work I was there to do.

"To be honest, I thought that, even if Chris had been struggling, they would probably have gone for someone with a bit more experience.

"But I got the phone call and it still seems totally unbelievable. I still feel as if I should be thinking about my shuttle runs and fielding drills - instead I'm going to be joining up with the rest of the England squad on Monday."

Plunkett was first earmarked as a potential Test star two years ago, following a successful debut for England Under-19s.

Last season's exploits on the county stage have hastened his development, with England bowling coach Troy Cooley helping to re-model an action that had threatened to bring about back problems in the future.

Yesterday's call-up means the Middlesbrough-born youngster, who spent three months of last winter playing grade cricket in Australia, will supplement a pace attack that currently comprises three of England's Ashes heroes - Harmison, Flintoff and Matthew Hoggard - and Lancashire's James Anderson.

Tremlett could yet be added if he passes a fitness test at the end of this week but, even if the 6ft 7in seamer fails to make the tour, Plunkett is aware how difficult it will be to win his first senior cap.

"Even if I go out there and don't bowl a ball, being part of the squad is still going to be a tremendous experience," said the Teessider.

"I'm only young and I'm not going out there with any unrealistic expectations. If I don't feature in any of the games, I'm still going to learn whatever I can from the experience. If I am thrown in at the deep end, I'm ready for it.

"Anything could happen. I'm keeping my mind open. Even if I don't play in any of the games, I'll be happy just to be bowling in the nets and taking it all in.

"But you just never know. Somebody could get injured and, all of a sudden, I might find myself being thrown in at the deep end. It'll be either swim or sink if that happens, but I'm confident in what I can do and the selectors obviously are as well, otherwise they wouldn't have picked me."

Graveney clearly shares the youngster's confidence and insists Plunkett will cope if he is called upon next month.

"Liam is a young player that has done very well for Durham this year both in the longer and shorter form of the game," he said. "This is an excellent opportunity and along with his selection in the one-day squad, underlines his ongoing potential."