Hyderabad: World Cup-winning English bowler Liam Plunkett might end his international career with England and then might play for the United States of America following his England selection snub.
Plunkett last played for England in the 2019 world Cup final against New Zealand wherein his three-wicket haul altered the momentum of the match.
For now, he remains fully committed to forcing his way back into England’s limited-overs set-up, despite being overlooked in the latest round of central contracts last September and failing to make squads for the tours of New Zealand and South Africa this winter.
Plunkett, however, has held preliminary talks with USA Cricket chief executive Iain Higgins as the 34-year-old plots the final years of his career. Liam has stayed in the country for the past few years with his American wife of 16 months Emeleah.
As per the ICC eligibility regulations, which were updated in October 2018, a player can switch from one country to another upon the completion of a three-year sit-out period. this means Plunkett will be eligible to play for the USA from July 14, 2022, providing he does not add to his 124 England caps in the interim.
The pacer would also have to fulfil the nationality qualification criteria of the United States by gaining citizenship, a process that takes three years for spouses of US nationals.
His immediate priority, however, is to try to force his way into England’s plans for the Twenty20 World Cup in Australia in October.
He has two years of his county contract with Surrey to run but has begun qualifications to become a strength and conditioning coach as he considers options Stateside.
