A fast-bowling bolter for the Ashes?

Former England captain Michael Vaughan believes Liam Plunkett's form has catapulted him back into Ashes contention.

With England's squad for the summer's Ashes series in Australia set to be named on Wednesday, Plunkett took a timely 5-52 in the second ODI against West Indies in Bristol yesterday, prompting Vaughan to suggest the paceman may be in the selection mix. 

"I think Liam Plunkett is back on the radar for the Ashes," Vaughan told Test Match Special. "The one thing I worry about with England – if Mark Wood is injured – is a lack of pace. 

"You need something a little different from (James) Anderson and (Stuart) Broad.

"Perhaps even Craig Overton at Somerset. Somebody who is different who could create something.

"At the minute, the fact Australia have bowlers all capable of bowling at 90mph … that could be the difference when the ball stops swinging."

Cynics may suggest Vaughan's opinion carries a sizeable Yorkshire slant; the former batsman is a parochial Yorkshireman, and Plunkett, who plays for the County, has only appeared in three first-class matches in the past six months, taking seven wickets. 

However, with a question mark over Wood's persistent heel injury, and Toby Roland-Jones being ruled out of the series with a back stress fracture, the 32-year-old's explosive performance for England against the Windies could well put him in the frame. 

It would be a remarkable turnaround for Plunkett, who hasn't played a Test since July 2014 and spent much of this northern summer sidelined with a groin injury. 

Overton meanwhile, has been in strong form for Somerset, taking 43 wickets at 23.65 across 12 first-class matches.  

The duo will likely be vying for a fast-bowling Ashes tour party spot behind Broad, Anderson and Chris Woakes, and alongside the likes of Steven Finn and Jake Ball.

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