England players question Liam Plunkett Ashes snub as lack of bowling variety is exposed

England's squad selection for the Ashes tour has been privately questioned by some players, with the lack of bowling variety of particular concern.

England are 2-0 down in the five-match series and must prevent Australia winning the Third Test at Perth, which starts on Tuesday, to have any chance of retaining the urn. Australia have taken the last seven Ashes matches at the WACA, while England have won only one Test there.

Though England bowled well for parts of the first innings at Brisbane and throughout the second at Adelaide, their pace bowlers present — in general terms — a similar challenge: right-arm orthodox, reaching top speeds in the mid-80mph range. England’s four-man seam attack has taken 24 wickets at 34.4 runs apiece in the series, while Australia’s three pacemen have 28 at 23.8.

At Adelaide, England’s fastest seamer, Chris Woakes, did not bowl as quickly as Josh Hazlewood, Australia’s slowest. While speed through the air is much less effective without skill and accuracy, Australia is generally kinder to raw pace than it is to swing and seam.

With that in mind, Standard Sport understands certain members of the squad were puzzled at the exclusion of Liam Plunkett from the touring party, especially when Mark Wood was left out on fitness grounds.

At his best, Plunkett is able to reach 90mph regularly, and is a key bowler for England in white-ball cricket. Prominent ex-players, such as former captain Michael Vaughan and triple-Ashes-winning wicketkeeper Matt Prior, backed Plunkett’s inclusion.

It is thought, however, that doubts about Plunkett’s fitness for Test cricket may have prevented his selection. He played just two County Championship matches for Yorkshire — bowling 43 overs — in 2017, due partly to his involvement with England’s limited-overs teams, as well as a groin injury.

Plunkett’s last Test was against India at Lord’s in July 2014, his 13th appearance in the longest form. The 32-year-old is currently playing Twenty20 for Sylhet Sixers in the Bangladesh Premier League.

Asked about his Ashes chances in September, Plunkett said: “Maybe they [the selectors] think of me as a white-ball bowler. I can’t see it happening.”