DURHAM coach Martyn Moxon has hailed Liam Plunkett's inclusion in both the Test and One Day squad for England's tour of India as further evidence of the county's burgeoning reputation.

Plunkett, who made his international debut in the third and final Test of last autumn's tour of Pakistan, has been retained despite the availability of fit-again paceman Simon Jones.

With Steve Harmison and Paul Collingwood also named in both touring parties, Plunkett will complete a trio of Durham players that will fly to the Asian sub-continent on February 12.

With the last of seven one-day internationals scheduled for April 15, Durham's England contingent could now be unavailable for the opening county fixture of the season, a four-day game at Kent that begins on April 19.

Moxon is still hoping to have his leading lights available for the trip to Canterbury but, whether they make it or not, the former England opener remains delighted to see three of his players performing a starring role for their country.

"Liam made his mark in Pakistan, putting in some great performances and really earning his place in the squad," said Moxon.

"For the club to have three players in the Test squad is fantastic. It shows just how much the team here is progressing."

Plunkett featured in all five one-dayers in Pakistan, taking seven wickets in the series and hitting an eye-catching half-century in Lahore.

He provided valuable cover in the Test series and, while Jones' return is likely to limit his opportunities in the five-day game, the 20-year-old is understandably excited by the prospect of another overseas tour.

"It's an exciting time for me and I'm really happy to be going to India," said Stockton-born Plunkett.

"It's a great opportunity for me to be involved in the England set-up and to get more experience at international level."

The youngster's elevation to the rank of seasoned international maintains the feelgood factor that accompanied Durham's double promotion last season.

No other county boasts three players in the either the Test or One Day squad, underlining just how far Durham have come in their 13 years of first-class cricket.

"When the club realised our ambition to become first class in 1992, our dream was to establish Durham as a force in English cricket," said chief executive David Harker.

"With top-flight cricket and three players in the England team, we are starting to realise our goal.

"The next step is to continue the development of the Riverside into a world-class venue."

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