Durham County Cricket Club can confirm that Liam Plunkett will leave the Club and will join Yorkshire County Cricket Club for 2013.
The Middlesbrough born fast bowler, and powerful lower order batsmen, came through the Durham Academy and made his first class debut in 2003. Liam cemented his place in the Durham side and in 2005 he led the attack taking 51 first class wickets in his first full first team season.
Liam’s two year rise to prominence was marked as he made his International Test debut in November 2005 on England’s tour of Pakistan. Since then Liam has played in nine Test matches, 29 ODI’s and one International t20.
A local lad, Liam was a vital cog in the bowling unit through Durham CCCs most successful era. He was a regular in the team that won the Friends Provident Trophy in 2007 and then the 2008 LV=County Championship winning side. Liam then took 49 wickets as Durham retained the Championship in 2009.
Head Coach Geoff Cook: “On behalf of everybody at the Club, I would like to wish Liam all the very best for the future. I would also like to thank him for not only how he represented the Club, but also what he has achieved, which has put Durham on the International cricket map.”
Liam Plunkett on his time at Durham CCC “I have had 12 very happy years at the Club and wish to thank the supporters, staff and my playing colleagues for the support they have shown me over that time. I have been immensely proud to represent England as a Durham player and thank the Club for all they have done in helping me reach that level. At this stage of my career, I believe that a fresh challenge would benefit me and I feel this is required to help me reach my goal of representing my country again. I wish the Club all the best for the future and look forward to coming back to Emirates Durham ICG, a place I will always regard as home.”